Villanova: Archaeology, Culture and Motorcycles

Villanova brings together archaeological discoveries, sacred art and motorsport history in an unusual way. At its centre is the MUV, which brings the Villanova culture to life through a reconstruction of the Marano necropolis and interactive educational formats. There are also historic oratories, the Chiesa di S. Ambrogio di Villanova, Villa Gozzadini and a museum with Yamaha racing motorcycles. Those planning a trip can therefore choose between cultural and historical experiences, family-friendly workshops and a visit focused on motorcycle history.

Archaeology and the Villanova Culture at the MUV

The MUV is housed in the former hay barn of the rural Casa Sant’Anna complex in Villanova di Castenaso. It presents a reconstruction of the monumental necropolis of Marano from the 7th century BC. The display includes eight sandstone and limestone funerary stelae, including the Stele delle Spade. Grave goods from aristocratic tombs are also on display.

The museum also conveys the life and rituals of the Villanova culture through sounds, video installations and interactive stations. The site has a special connection to the history of science as well: here, between 1853 and 1856, the archaeologist Giovanni Gozzadini identified traces of a prehistoric culture that was still unknown in Italy at the time and was later called Villanovan. Guided tours as well as educational and playful workshops for school groups and families complement the programme. For families, a museum visit can therefore be planned not only around exhibition objects but also around different ways of discovering the past.

Historic Religious Buildings and Villa Gozzadini

The private Oratorio di Santa Croce di Villanova is a chapel dating from the late 18th century. Its interior is richly decorated with statues and stucco. Following restoration, the oratory was officially reopened to the public on 11 May 2025. The Chiesa di S. Ambrogio di Villanova is already documented in a land deed dating from 1141. The former church building was demolished down to its foundations and enlarged between 1793 and 1793. These traces from different periods make Villanova interesting for travellers who want to follow historical changes in tangible buildings.

Villa Gozzadini is also part of the local history. It was built in the 16th century by the Bolognese senator family of the same name and is connected with the archaeologist Giovanni Gozzadini. Together with the MUV, it forms a cultural programme ranging from prehistory and sacred art to family and research history.

Motorcycle History as a Different Travel Focus

The Museo Moto Poggi COMP offers a very different collection. It includes historical memorabilia as well as Yamaha motorcycles associated with Rossi, Checa, Biaggi and Gary McCoy. The museum also houses more than 60 Yamaha racing motorcycles. This broadens the options for travellers who want to include technology, racing and historic vehicles in their holiday days alongside archaeology and architectural history.

Getting There and Choosing a Holiday Apartment

Various described routes to Villanova are available for planning your journey. From Bologna Centrale railway station, take the suburban train towards Porto Maggiore to the Villanova-Ca' dell'Orbo stop; from there, it is about a 15-minute walk. Another route leads from Castenaso to Villanova and back along the cycle path on the eastern side of Via Villanova to the Centro sociale Casa Sant’Anna and the adjoining MUV.

When looking for a holiday apartment in Villanova, you can therefore first consider what you want your trip to focus on. Those who want to make the Villanova culture, guided tours and workshops the centre of their visit can base their plans around the MUV. On other days, the oratories, the Chiesa di S. Ambrogio, Villa Gozzadini and the Museo Moto Poggi COMP offer different themes.

You can discover further destinations in Granaglione, Sala Bolognese, Rioveggio, San Giorgio Di Piano, Quarto Inferiore, Ponticelli, Imola and Castel Maggiore.

For the overarching travel overview: Bologna.