Discover Tolè: Art, Trails and History

Tolè combines art woven into the townscape, trails through wooded slopes and traces of history. For families and other travellers who enjoy filling their holiday with a variety of discoveries, the town offers several ways to explore: you can stroll through the streets, put historic sites into context or include stages on marked trails in your travel plans.

Art and Water in the Heart of Tolè

One distinctive aspect of the town can be seen in its open-air art museum. Various works of art can be explored on a walk through the streets of Tolè. This creates a route in which the townscape itself becomes part of the cultural experience. Spring water is also part of the town’s distinctive history: it comes from three springs that supply twelve fountains.

Those interested in historic structures will find another notable landmark in the Torre di Tolè ruin complex. It stands along the ancient Cassiola road, which is called Via Basabue after the turn-off to the left of the primary school. The complex can be reached from this junction after approximately one kilometre. During the rule of Matilde di Canossa, Torre di Tolè was one of the castles built to defend the Matildic territories.

Monte della Croce and the Gothic Line

The slopes of Monte della Croce are covered by centuries-old forests and crossed by winding paths used by hikers and pilgrims. At the summit stands the Cappella Alpina della Madonna della Neve. Along the route to the summit, traces of wartime fighting can also be seen, including the remains of American positions and German shelters.

The Gothic Line, which ran through Tolè during the Second World War, is also part of this historic landscape. In Tolè, the areas of Monte Croce, La Palazzina and Madonna di Rodiano are associated with it. On 12 July 2020, a small museum dedicated to the Gothic Line, the Mostra-museo della linea gotica, also opened. The history is therefore not confined to individual ruins but can be encountered at several named locations.

Stages for Different Travel Plans

Several different routes are available for planning day trips. The fifth stage of the Cammino Tesori del Reno leads from Rocca di Roffeno to Tolè and is 10 kilometres long. Along this stage, at around kilometre 10, at the level of Tolè, there are several fountains; at the same time, it is recommended that you bring enough water for the entire stage. The sixth stage then leads from Tolè to Vergato and is 18.5 kilometres long.

The Piccola Cassia route also passes through the centre of Tolè. Those who choose the town as a starting point for their travel plans can distinguish between a stroll through the townscape, a historical discovery and a longer stage. When looking for a holiday apartment, it makes sense to first decide whether the focus should be on the town itself, the trails on Monte della Croce or planning a multi-day route.

Further Cultural Highlights

In 1988, an organ by Agostino Traeri dating from 1750 was transferred to the parish church of Tolè. At O.A.S.I., visitors could take part in activities by prior reservation, view permanent art collections and walk along seven themed routes. Piscina di Tolè is accessible to people with disabilities. A look at local tradition also leads to the first Sagra della Patata, organised in September 1963 by the Pro Loco di Tolè.

If you would like to extend your travel plans beyond Tolè, you can also include Bologna, Portonovo, Noce, Baricella, Castel San Pietro Terme, Monterenzio, Malalbergo and Mordano in your selection.

For the higher-level travel overview: Bologna.