Ponticelli: Badlands, Art and Roman Traces

Ponticelli combines an unusual landscape with art, ecclesiastical history, Roman finds and a traditional specialty. Particularly characteristic are the badlands on the left slope of the rio Ponticelli: The geosite “Calanchi versante sinistro del rio Ponticelli” features extensive basins there that formed in Pliocene clays. Those planning a trip to Ponticelli will find a place whose character is shaped not only by individual attractions but also by its geological surroundings.

Experience the badlands and Casa Sartelli

A narrow path through the badlands of the Santerno Valley leads to Casa Sartelli. The route can therefore be planned as a distinct part of a visit if you would like to combine landscape and culture. From 1970 onward, Casa Sartelli served Germano Sartelli as a studio for designing and creating his material artworks. Today, it houses sculptures from the “Foreste” series as well as metal installations in the surrounding grove. The combination of studio history, sculptures and surroundings gives Ponticelli a distinctive cultural profile.

The Chiesa di San Savino Vescovo is also part of the history of the place. It has been documented since the 12th century. As a pieve, it was equipped with a baptismal font and already performed parish functions at that time. For your stay, this offers another perspective on Ponticelli: Alongside nature and the art scene, you can explore an ecclesiastical past that reaches far back.

Roman Traces and the History of the Santerno

Archaeological finds from Ponticelli lead back to Roman history. The Leone di Ponticelli was found near the weir on the Fiume Santerno and probably belonged to a monumental tomb beside a large domus. A head of Dionysus and of the drunken Bacchus, found in 1933 at Podere Tombazza in Ponticelli, probably belonged to a domus of great importance and high architectural and decorative quality. Such finds make the place’s past tangible through concrete objects without reducing Ponticelli to a single era.

The Canale dei Molini is also part of the historical picture. It was later used for land reclamation and craft activities, including mills, tanneries, dye works and laundries. Thus, alongside the Roman past, later forms of use and work also come into focus. If you are travelling with your family, you can set priorities according to your interests: landscape, art, sacred history, archaeology or the history of craft activities.

Local Tradition and Choosing Accommodation

A culinary tradition complements the cultural discoveries. The Sagra dei Maccheroni in Ponticelli has taken place since the early years of the 20th century. At this sagra, maccheroni al ragù are prepared and served. The event therefore represents a local specialty and a tradition maintained over a long period. Since not every trip has the same focus, your choice of accommodation may depend on whether you are choosing Ponticelli mainly for the badlands, Casa Sartelli, the Roman traces or the local food culture. When searching for a holiday apartment, you can save Ponticelli as a suitable search location for these different interests without limiting your stay to a single activity.

More Destinations to Compare

If you would like to compare Ponticelli with other places, you can also include Castel Maggiore, Ponte della Venturina, Castello Di Serravalle, Monzuno, Mordano, San Giorgio Di Piano, Minerbio and Casalecchio Di Reno in your further search.

To the overarching travel overview: Bologna.