Mordano: Santerno, Towers and Living History

Mordano combines a distinctive landscape along the Santerno with a surprisingly diverse range of cultural and event-related highlights. The Ciclovia del Santerno begins between rows of peach and apricot trees, while historic buildings, a distinctive coat of arms and the museum in the Torrione Sforzesco await discovery in the town itself. Those who want to combine nature experiences, history and local traditions on their holiday will find a range of options here for planning their days.

The Ciclovia del Santerno with its current restriction

The Ciclovia del Santerno begins between the peach and apricot orchards of Mordano and leads as far as Castel del Rio. The route can be used by bicycle and on foot. However, an important restriction must be taken into account when planning your current trip: the Ciclovia del Santerno is not to be used until further notice. The section from Imola via San Prospero to Mordano is closed by ordinance due to severe damage to the riverbank. Anyone choosing a holiday apartment in Mordano should take this regulation into account when planning an active day and check the current situation before using the route.

History between the Torrione and Sant’Eustachio

The museum in the Torrione Sforzesco displays archaeological finds from the Roman wells of Bubano. A visit therefore leads from the visible history of the town to traces that reach much further back. The Due Towers of Mordano provide another distinctive feature: they were designed after the towers of the Arsenal of Venice. It is precisely these varied historical connections that make Mordano interesting for travellers who are not looking for just one attraction, but want to discover different forms of local history.

The parish church of Sant’Eustachio is part of the town’s sacred history. It dates back to the 14th century and was rebuilt at the end of the 18th century. The baptistery of Sant’Eustachio also contains a coat of arms of Mordano dated 1567. The dragon and the arrow give this detail a memorable motif. For a trip combining several interests, such a cultural visit can be easily planned as a quieter part of the itinerary alongside a later exploration of the town or an event, without reducing the town’s history to a single era.

Palio and weekly market in Bubano

The Palio del Torrione in Bubano is a lively tradition. The event began in 1997 and takes place every year during the third week of June. The four districts of Bubano compete in an event involving ladies and knights. Those travelling during this period can therefore combine their stay with a clearly dated festival. Outside this period, the weekly Thursday market offers a different kind of local atmosphere: it takes place on Thursday morning in Piazza Dante Cassani in Bubano.

Which accommodation suits your travel plans?

When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home in Mordano, it is worth deciding first what kind of travel rhythm you want. If the trip is primarily intended to offer historical insights, the museum, towers, church and baptistery favour a culture-focused stay. Anyone wishing to experience the Palio should plan their trip around the third week of June. For a visit to the market, Thursday morning is the key consideration. The closure of the Ciclovia del Santerno should be included in your considerations regardless. This way, you choose your accommodation not just based on the town’s name, but on the experiences that are genuinely central to your trip.

For further options, you can also look at Casalecchio Di Reno, Dozza, Santa Viola, Porretta Terme, Linaro, Villanova, Fontana and Fontanelice.

For the main travel overview: Bologna.