Discover Tolè: springs, trails and history

Tolè offers several starting points for planning your trip: spring water and fountains, outdoor art, trails on Monte della Croce, and traces of wartime history. The stages of the Cammino Tesori del Reno also pass through the town. If you’re looking for a hotel in Tolè, these themes can help you tailor your stay to what you’d like to explore locally.

Springs, art and trails in town

Tolè’s spring water comes from three springs that feed twelve fountains. The open-air art museum offers another way to experience the town: various artworks can be explored on a walk through the streets. The fountains and public art are distinct themes that can both be included in a visit to the town.

The slopes of Monte della Croce are covered in centuries-old forests and crisscrossed by winding trails used by hikers and pilgrims. The Cappella Alpina della Madonna della Neve stands at the summit of Monte della Croce. The Piccola Cassia runs through the centre of Tolè, providing a separate point of reference for getting around town, while the trails on the slopes offer a different way to experience the landscape.

Discover art and history

The area’s history is present in several places and in different forms. The Gothic Line, also called Linea Gotica 2 or Linea verde 2, ran through Tolè during the Second World War, in the area of Monte Croce, La Palazzina and Madonna di Rodiano. Traces of the fighting can be seen on the trail to the summit of Monte Croce, including the remains of American positions and German shelters. A small museum dedicated to the Gothic Line, the Mostra-museo della linea gotica, opened in Tolè on 12 July 2020.

Another historical site is the Torre di Tolè ruin complex. During the rule of Matilde di Canossa, the tower was one of the castles built to defend the Matildic territories. It is located on the ancient Cassiola road. After the left turn from the primary school, the road is called Via Basabue; from there, the ruin complex is about one kilometre away.

Tolè’s parish church is also connected to the town’s musical history: an organ by Agostino Traeri, dating from 1750, was transferred there in 1988. The Sagra della Patata is another part of the area’s cultural history. The first edition was organised by the Pro Loco di Tolè in September 1963.

Stages and practical information

For planning longer walks, the two stages of the Cammino Tesori del Reno that pass through Tolè differ both in direction and in stated length. The fifth stage covers ten kilometres from Rocca di Roffeno to Tolè. The sixth starts in Tolè and covers 18.5 kilometres to Vergato. The distances and endpoints can help you fit each stage into your plans.

On the fifth stage, there are several fountains at Tolè, around the ten-kilometre mark. It is recommended that you take enough water for the entire stage. This recommendation applies to the whole stage, not just the section near Tolè.

The Piscina di Tolè is accessible to people with disabilities. As this information does not specify current opening days or operating hours, please check whether a visit is currently possible before planning one. The 2024 programme for O.A.S.I. included activities by prior reservation, permanent art collections and walks along seven themed trails. If you plan to visit O.A.S.I., check in advance what is currently available.

Discover more destinations: San Marino, Budrio, Borgo Tossignano, Ripoli, Pieve Di Cento, San Vincenzo, Vidiciatico, Camugnano.

For the broader travel overview: Bologna.