Villanova: Discover Archaeology and Cultural Heritage

Villanova brings together archaeological themes and the history of historic buildings. At its heart is the MUV, housed in the former hayloft of the rural complex of Casa Sant’Anna in Villanova di Castenaso. Churches, oratories and Villa Gozzadini offer further insights into the history of the area. Different perspectives sit side by side: archaeological reconstructions, historical records and architectural changes.

Archaeology at the MUV

The MUV is located at the site where, between 1853 and 1856, the archaeologist Giovanni Gozzadini identified traces of a prehistoric culture that was then unknown in Italy. This culture was later named the Villanovan culture.

The museum presents a reconstruction of the monumental Marano necropolis, dating from the 7th century BC. It includes eight sandstone and limestone grave stelae, among them the Stele delle Spade. The reconstruction is accompanied by grave goods from aristocratic tombs. In this way, the necropolis as a monumental setting, the individual stelae and the grave goods offer distinct perspectives on the archaeological theme.

The MUV brings the life and rituals of the Villanovan culture to life through sounds, video installations and interactive exhibits. Guided tours complement the offer; educational and hands-on workshops are aimed at school groups and families. These formats extend the experience beyond the reconstructed necropolis to other ways of exploring the culture.

Directions and getting there

From Bologna’s Stazione Centrale, take the suburban train towards Porto Maggiore to the Villanova-Ca' dell'Orbo stop. From the stop, it is about a 15-minute walk. Check connections before travelling, as transport details may change.

For cycling plans, a route runs from Castenaso to Villanova and back along the cycle path on the east side of Via Villanova to the Centro sociale Casa Sant’Anna and the adjoining MUV. The train and cycling directions start from different places: Bologna for the train, and Castenaso for the round trip.

Churches, oratories and Villa Gozzadini

The Chiesa di S. Ambrogio di Villanova is documented in a land deed dating from 1141. The former church building was demolished down to its foundations and enlarged in 1793. These details point to different historical reference points: the documentary record of the church and a later intervention to the former building.

Villa Gozzadini was built in the 16th century by the Bolognese senator family of the same name and is associated with the archaeologist Giovanni Gozzadini. This creates a historical connection to the MUV, located at the site of his archaeological identification.

The private Oratorio di Santa Croce di Villanova is a chapel dating from the late 18th century. Its interior is richly decorated with statues and stucco. Following restoration, the oratory officially reopened to the public on 11 May 2025. If you are planning a visit, please check current visiting arrangements.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Crespellano, Portonovo, Casette di Funo, Brento, Castel Guelfo Di Bologna, Molino del Pallone, Granaglione, Argelato

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