Borgonuovo on the Reno – History, Trails and Local Traditions

Borgonuovo lies on the left bank of the Reno at the foot of an open, sunny hill. The hamlet combines a distinctive local history with paths through green areas, historic sites and special insights into the region’s working and festival culture. Those looking for a holiday apartment in Borgonuovo can therefore shape their stay around very different interests: local history, walks, cycling routes or discovering the area’s long-standing paper production tradition.

Church and History of Borgonuovo

An important landmark is the Chiesa dei Santi Donnino e Sebastiano. It stands slightly elevated in the heart of the Borgonuovo hamlet. A short section of Via Moglio connects the church complex with Via Porrettana. The present building has a square-plan hall and a large, full-height polychrome window in the façade.

The present-day church building also tells of a profound rupture and a later new beginning. In the 14th century, the church of Moglio, then dedicated only to Saint Donnino, was under the authority of the Pieve di Pontecchio. This earlier church, corresponding to present-day Borgonuovo, was completely destroyed by an Anglo-American air raid on 16 April 1945. The Chiesa dei Santi Donnino e Sebastiano was subsequently built between 1979 and 1981 and dedicated to Saints Donnino and Sebastiano on 11 October 1986.

The settlement itself also reveals different layers of history. The first cluster of houses developed along the road now known as Via Borgonuovo. After the First World War, further houses were built on land previously used for agriculture. A paper mill associated with Borgonuovo had already been producing paper since 1873. The history of paper production is therefore as much a part of the local landscape as the newer church and the location on the Reno.

Paths for Walks and Cycling Tours

The Ciclopedonale di Borgonuovo is a cycle and pedestrian path extending for approximately 1 kilometre through green areas. It is a manageable way to include some exercise in your stay without devoting the entire day to a long hike. For another route idea, from the Borgonuovo stop the route follows Via Porrettana back for about 300 metres to a roundabout. From there, the footpath on the bridge of the SS64 Var crosses the motorway to the Laghetti del Maglio.

At the Laghetti del Maglio, this route merges back into the course of the Via della Lana e della Seta. The Via della Lana e della Seta route also takes walkers to the Borgonuovo bus stop. In the Borgonuovo area, it reaches Palazzo de’ Rossi, a Renaissance complex with a village, a mill, a sawmill and a paper mill. These facilities were powered by the water of the Reno. Those interested in historic economic landscapes will find a connection here between landscape, craftsmanship and architectural history.

Further Experiences by the Water and Throughout the Year

The SAPABA FIPSAS lakes are located in Borgonuovo di Sasso Marconi. Fishing at the SAPABA facility requires a valid F.I.P.S.A.S. membership card. You should take this requirement into account when planning. Those who prefer to travel by bicycle or on foot can consider the lakes and paths as different focal points of their stay, without combining both into a single circular route.

In the Borgonuovo area, the Fira di Sdaz takes place between the Borgo di Colle Ameno and Parco del Chiù. It revives a rural ritual that has existed for over 300 years. The event therefore represents a local tradition that can add a cultural occasion to your stay. As the date is not specified here, it is worth aligning your travel planning with the event information available at the time.

Transport Links and Choosing Accommodation

The motorway, railway and state road are considered three important transport routes that pass through Borgonuovo. A scheduled regional train runs from Borgonuovo to Pianoro. The train allows bicycles on board and has a carriage with a wheelchair space and an accessible toilet. This transport situation may be relevant when searching for a holiday apartment if you would like to combine excursions by train, bicycle or car. The location on the Reno at the foot of the open hill may also influence how you personally balance culture, trails or quiet days in the surrounding area.

Further Destinations for Your Travel Planning

You can also view the entries for Varignana-Palesio, Brento, Molino del Pallone, Monterenzio, Zappolino, Castel D'aiano, Pizzano and Crevalcore.

For the higher-level travel overview: Bologna.