Borgonuovo on the Reno: Church, Local History and Routes

Borgonuovo lies on the left bank of the Reno, at the foot of an open, sunny hill. If you are looking for a hotel in Borgonuovo, the local landmarks give you an idea of what may shape your stay: church architecture, the development of the settlement, and routes for walking and cycling. The themes range from the townscape to routes in the surrounding area.

Finding your way around

The Chiesa dei Santi Donnino e Sebastiano stands slightly elevated in the heart of the Borgonuovo hamlet. A short stretch of Via Moglio connects the church complex with Via Porrettana. Its elevated position and the named streets provide concrete landmarks within the settlement, without implying a walking time.

The church and its construction history

The church’s history dates back to the 14th century: at that time, the church of Moglio, dedicated only to Saint Donnino, was under the authority of the Pieve di Pontecchio. The former church of Moglio, now Borgonuovo, was completely destroyed by an Anglo-American air raid on April 16, 1945. The present-day Chiesa dei Santi Donnino e Sebastiano was built between 1979 and 1981. On October 11, 1986, it was dedicated to Saints Donnino and Sebastiano.

The architecture can also be described through two specific features: the hall has a square floor plan, and the façade has a large, full-height polychrome window. One feature describes the shape of the hall, the other the design of the façade. Together, they give a concise impression of the present-day church building’s interior layout and exterior appearance.

Cycling and walking routes

The Ciclopedonale di Borgonuovo is a cycling and walking path about one kilometre long that passes through green spaces. For a trip to the Laghetti del Maglio, the route starts at the Borgonuovo stop and first follows Via Porrettana back for about 300 metres to a roundabout. From there, a footpath crosses the motorway on the bridge over the SS64 Var and leads to the lakes. At the Laghetti del Maglio, the route rejoins the Via della Lana e della Seta.

The Via della Lana e della Seta also takes hikers to the Borgonuovo bus stop. This gives two distinct landmarks: the stop as a reference point for bus travel, and the Laghetti del Maglio as the destination of a described section of the route. Trail conditions and timetable information may change; check both before setting out.

In the area around Borgonuovo, the Via della Lana e della Seta also leads to Palazzo de’ Rossi. The Renaissance complex includes a village, a mill, a sawmill, and a paper mill. The mill, sawmill, and paper mill were powered by the waters of the Reno. The route thus combines travel around the area with a place whose history was also shaped by water-powered trades.

Local history and getting there

Borgonuovo’s first cluster of houses developed along the road now called Via Borgonuovo. Construction began after the First World War on land previously used for agriculture. The street name and the land’s former use provide two concrete clues to the area’s development.

A scheduled regional train runs from Borgonuovo to Pianoro. Bicycles can be taken on the train; there is also a carriage with a wheelchair space and an accessible toilet. The timetable period runs from June 14 to December 12, 2026. Check the connection again before your trip so that your plans match your travel date.

The SAPABA FIPSAS lakes are in Borgonuovo di Sasso Marconi. A valid F.I.P.S.A.S. membership card is required for fishing at the SAPABA facility.

Discover more destinations: Tolè, San Lazzaro Di Savena, Funo, Crevalcore, Ponte Samoggia, Rastignano-Carteria Di Sesto, Vergato, Castel Di Casio.

For the main travel overview: Bologna.