Loiano: Discover Astronomy, Culture and Trails

Loiano combines unique views of the starry sky with historic sites, botanical diversity and active experiences. For planning your trip, it is worth choosing accommodation from which you can focus on culture, landscapes or the activities offered by the Bologna Montana Bike Area, depending on your interests. The surrounding area offers various ways to spend a day of your holiday: independent sightseeing, wide-ranging views, historical discoveries and sporting trails.

Astronomy Park and Planetarium

Loiano's Astronomy Park is located 1 kilometre beyond Loiano on the Strada Statale 65 della Futa towards Monghidoro. It is intended for independent visits. During the day, public visits to the historic telescope and the planetarium are offered on Saturdays or Sundays according to a set calendar, though generally not in winter. If you choose this focus for your trip, you should take the relevant date into account when planning.

The planetarium has a digital dome with a diameter of six metres. The night sky is projected inside it. The astronomical activities include a screening with a documentary or a live explanation by an astronomer. Together with a visit to the historic telescope, this creates an excursion combining knowledge and vivid impressions.

Culture, History and Botanical Diversity

The parish church of Chiesa parrocchiale dei SS. Giacomo e Margherita was founded by the Augustinians in the 14th century. The choir, presbytery and bell tower were built by Pier Jacopo dei dall'Olio with the collaboration of architect Mauro Bianchini. Inside are a Saint James by Denijs Calvaert, a statue of Madonna del Carmine by Angelo Peo' and an 18th-century terracotta Pietà. The church therefore offers a specific cultural point of interest for visitors interested in sacred art and regional history.

Anconella also offers a historical perspective on the Loiano area. The old village dates largely from the 16th century. A distinctive building with a colonnade once served as a rest hospital for pilgrims; the old road to Florence also passed through Anconella. The historic Strada della Futa, connecting Bologna and Florence, is located near Loiano.

The Giardini del Casoncello are a natural and ecologically sustainable garden. The relatively small area of around one hectare contains an unusually rich botanical diversity. As a living museum with numerous plant species, the gardens appeal to people who wish to explore the plant world for professional, scientific or personal reasons.

Views, Circular Routes and Cycling Experiences

From Scanello, the view extends over the main mountains of the Idice and Savena valleys to the high Apennines on one side and the hills surrounding Bologna on the other. The Bologna Montana Art Trail begins at Piazza Dall'Olio in Loiano. The circular route starts and ends in the centre of Loiano and is approximately 100 kilometres long. For planning your day, it is therefore important to distinguish between a single section and the entire circular route.

Those who want to discover Loiano by bicycle will find various options in the Bologna Montana Bike Area. The area includes Loiano and offers mountain-biking opportunities in all four seasons. These include particularly technical sections for Gravity Enduro and Mountain Trail as well as easier stretches. The All Star Trail is designed both for mountain-bike beginners and for handbike and tandem users. When choosing your accommodation and planning your days, you can therefore consider whether you would prefer to schedule short excursions or more demanding sporting sections.

Traditional Summer Event

The Festa d'la batdura takes place in Loiano in mid-July. The traditional festival celebrates the farming tradition of threshing grain. It complements the astronomical, historical and sporting experiences with an insight into a local tradition and can be a special occasion for planning a trip around this period.

Further destination pages for trip planning: Sassoleone, Roncobilaccio, Molino del Pallone, Calderara Di Reno, Fiumetto, Monzuno, San Lazzaro Di Savena, Ripoli.

To the broader travel overview: Bologna.