Monte San Pietro: Hiking Trails, Art and Landscape

Circular trails and a long-distance trail, church art, landscapes, and activities with fixed or seasonal dates offer different ways to explore the area. If you are looking for a hotel in Monte San Pietro, you can first decide whether your trip will focus mainly on hiking, individual cultural sites, or a visit on a specific date.

Hiking: Circular Trails and a Long-Distance Trail

There are eight circular trails to choose from when planning a hike. They vary in length and difficulty, are well maintained, and are signposted along their entire routes. This lets you base your choice on two specific features rather than treating all the routes as similar loops. The Piccola Cassia passes through Monte San Pietro and is one of the long-distance trails there. This means you can choose between circular trails of different lengths and a long-distance trail as distinct types of hike. Check the condition of the trail infrastructure seasonally before setting out.

Free charging stations for e-bike users are available in Monte San Giovanni at the starting point of Trail No. 7 and by the Badia at the starting point of Trail No. 8. Check that the stations are operational before setting out.

Landscape and Observatory

The Calanchi di Montemaggiore form an extensive basin cut through by ravines in the Argille Scagliose. A trail runs above the badlands, offering an impressive view of them.

Every year, the Felsina Astronomical Observatory organizes a program of public opening days and dozens of STE(A)M initiatives, with a particular focus on accessibility. Guided visits are also offered between April and October. During these visits, the public can observe important astronomical objects through a 400 mm f/5 Newtonian telescope. Check the dates for the relevant program and visits before travelling.

Church Art and History

The Church of Santa Maria Assunta in Amola has been documented since the 14th century. It houses the Stations of the Cross by Mauro Gandolfi, dating from 1793 and consisting of 14 oil paintings on canvas. The church also contains a pipe organ by Pietro Agati, dating from 1757.

The Church of San Giovanni Battista in Monte San Giovanni houses a working organ. It is attributed to a member of the Cipri family and dates from the 16th or 17th century. While the Amola organ is attributed to a named builder and dated to a specific year, the dating of the other organ is less precise.

Museum, Hamlet and Motorcycle Collection

The Museum of the Badia del Lavino is located in the Abbey of the Saints Fabiano and Sebastiano. Its exhibition tells the story of the church and the surrounding area, particularly from the perspective of agricultural work. If you plan to visit the museum, check access arrangements in advance.

The hamlet of Case Vallona includes a typical Apennine farmhouse, a military tower, old wells, stables and haylofts. The Collezione di moto Bruno Nigelli includes motorcycles by brands that originated in Bologna in the 20th century. You must arrange a specific day and time for your visit; check the contact details again before travelling.

Food Experiences and Dates

Monte San Pietro is one of the seven micro-areas of the DOC Colli Bolognesi. The visitor offerings also include guided tastings of local food products. In Montepastore, the Sagra della Caldarrosta takes place on the third Sunday in October. If you want to plan your trip around this date, check the program for the relevant year in advance.

Discover more destinations: Casette di Funo, Roncobilaccio, Funo, Anzola Dell'emilia, Imola, San Martino in Pedriolo, Castel D'aiano, Castello Di Serravalle.

Go to the main travel overview: Bologna.