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Parco “Romainville”, Via Canale, 40033 Casalecchio di Reno, Italy (June 2018)
Casalecchio di Reno
Casalecchio di Reno is a charming town located in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy, just a few kilometres southwest of Bologna. Nestled at the foot of the Apennine Mountains and bordered by the Reno River, this town combines natural beauty, historical depth, and a vibrant community life. It is part of the Metropolitan City of Bologna and serves as both a residential suburb and a place of historical and cultural significance.
The town’s origins can be traced back to Roman times, and its name likely comes from the Latin word “casaliculum,” meaning “small house” or “hamlet,” and “Reno,” referencing the river that runs through the area. Over the centuries, Casalecchio developed from a small rural village into a more modern town, while still retaining a close connection to its past. Visitors can explore ancient buildings, local churches, and remnants of medieval architecture that provide a glimpse into the town’s long and layered history.
One of the most notable features of Casalecchio di Reno is the Chiusa di Casalecchio, an ancient hydraulic structure built during the Middle Ages. This engineering marvel was designed to regulate the flow of the Reno River and supply water to Bologna via a network of canals. Recognized as a symbol of medieval ingenuity, the Chiusa is one of the oldest functioning hydraulic systems in Europe and is still operational today.
Casalecchio is also known for its green spaces and parks, offering residents and visitors opportunities for relaxation and outdoor activities. The Parco della Chiusa, also known as Talon Park, is one of the largest parks in the area. It provides scenic walking trails, wooded areas, and beautiful views of the river and surrounding hills, making it a favourite destination for families, nature lovers, and joggers alike.
The town plays host to several cultural events throughout the year, including local festivals, concerts, and art exhibitions. Its close proximity to Bologna allows for easy access to the rich cultural and educational offerings of a larger city while maintaining the calm and friendly atmosphere of a smaller community. With its blend of history, natural beauty, and community spirit, Casalecchio di Reno offers a unique and welcoming environment that captures the essence of Italian life beyond the usual tourist paths.
Worth a Visit
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
The Parrocchia di San Martino in Casalecchio di Reno is a historic and spiritual landmark located in the heart of the town. Dedicated to Saint Martin of Tours, the parish has deep roots in the local community and plays a central role in its religious and cultural life. The church’s origins date back many centuries, with records mentioning its presence as early as the Middle Ages. Over time, the building has undergone various renovations, blending traditional architecture with more modern elements while preserving its sacred atmosphere. The parish is not only a place of worship but also a hub for community activities, offering religious education, charity work, and events that bring people together. With its welcoming environment and strong connection to local traditions, the Parrocchia di San Martino continues to be a symbol of faith and unity for the residents of Casalecchio di Reno and visitors alike.
Discover the lush serenity and historical richness of Parco Fluviale “Riva Reno” in Casalecchio di Reno, a stretch of riverside green space where nature, heritage, and community life converge beautifully. Stretching along the Reno River, this verdant expanse is integrally connected with the historic Chiusa di Casalecchio, a medieval hydraulic engineering marvel dating back to circa 1360. The Chiusa was built to regulate Reno’s flow and supply water to industries via the Reno Canal—it’s still operational and was recognized by UNESCO in 2010 as a “Messenger of a Culture of Peace for Youth”. The park, often referred to as Parco della Chiusa or Parco Talon, occupies the land once occupied by the noble Talon Sampieri estate. Although the villa suffered wartime destruction, the park endures with its tree-lined avenues, scenic lawns, and woodland grazing into the riverside and hills beyond.
Photo Gallery of Walk 1 – Parco di Villa Marullina to Giardino Pubblico Carlo Venturi
Approximately 2.05 km – 1.27 miles
The walk starts in Parco di Villa Marullina – Via Calzavecchio – Via Guglielmo Marconi – Vialetto, Card. E. Righi Lambertini – Via Guglielmo Marconi – Via Giovanni Pascoli – Piazza del Popolo – Via Porrettana – Via Enrico Fermi – Via Porrettana
Photo Gallery of Walk 2 – Parco Fluviale Riva Reno to Giardino Pubblico Carlo Venturi
Approximately 2.16 km – 1.34 miles
The walk starts in Parco Fluviale Riva Reno – Via de’ Bregoli – Parrocchia di S. Martino, Via de’ Bregoli – Via Panoramica – Vicolo de Santi – Via Porrettana – Via Canale – Parco “Romainville” – Passerella sul fiume Reno, Casalecchio di Reno – Via dei Mille – Via Giuseppe Garibaldi to Via Esperanto – Walk back along Via Giuseppe Garibaldi to Via Giuseppe Mazzini – Giardino Pubblico Carlo Venturi
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