Italy in Photos

Via Guglielmo Marconi

Via Guglielmo Marconi, commonly referred to as “Via Marconi,” stands as one of the principal arteries crossing Casalecchio di Reno. Historically part of the Strada Statale 64 Porrettana, this street connects the town with the mountainous regions of the Apennines, settlements like Sasso Marconi, Vergato, and Porretta Terme. Its significance extends beyond transportation: as early as the 1970s, Via Marconi symbolised a hub of local life, linking nearby villas, parishes, and the manufacturing heartbeat of Casalecchio, once a summer retreat favoured by Bolognese families. Though the town was heavily bombarded during World War II, the post-war reconstruction brought new vitality to this street, rebuilding both its infrastructure and communal identity.

Today, Via Marconi remains vital—not only as a transport corridor but as a vibrant local scene. In recent urban renewal efforts, twelve local retailers joined a community-led initiative called “Luce a via Marconi alta” (“Light on Upper Via Marconi”) to revitalise the street. The project—supported by municipal funding—brought refreshed shop awnings, enhanced window displays, improved lighting, and cultural evenings aimed at reinvigorating foot traffic while supporting small businesses.

Moreover, Via Marconi is currently a focal point of major infrastructure work. As part of the “Nuova Porrettana” project led by ANAS, a significant construction effort is underway to build an underpass beneath the railway line and modernise utility networks. In essence, Via Guglielmo Marconi is more than asphalt and signage—it’s a street shaped by history, community, and infrastructure. Its layers tell a story of resilience through war, revitalisation through community effort, and ongoing transformation at the heart of Casalecchio di Reno.