Castel d'Aiano is an enchanting municipality located on the mountains around Bologna, not so far from the city. From there you can admire the Reno and Panaro valleys with an enchanting glimpse over Mount Cimone. The area is an ideal destination for vacations as it is situated on a pleasant green hillside.
The territory offers a wide range of opportunities for excursions, for example the one to the Sanctuary of the Madonna di Brasa, destination of many pilgrimages since in that place, according to a popular tradition, there was an image of the Madonna hanging from an old chestnut tree. Another destination is the Orrido di Gea (literally "Gorge of Gea"), a fantastic place, improperly called "gorge", a natural canyon rich in water and caves. Here flows the Gea stream, immersed in dense vegetation, with its tiny waterfalls and emerald green whirlpools.
From Castel d'Aiano, a circular trail (suitable for everyone) leads to the "Fairy Forest": this is a section of forest with a truly magical atmosphere, among centuries-old chestnut trees and incredible encounters with "the giraffe" (a tree with a peculiar shape) and "Munch's Scream" (a rock with familiar features), perhaps near the Wild Man's Lair, a natural cave named after the person who inhabited it, according to popular legend.
The Labante Caves, which, with their 54-meter-long are the largest travertine caves in the world. They present a totally hollow rock that creates a unique karstic phenomenon.
From Castel d'Aiano, a circular trail (suitable for everyone) leads to the "Fairy Forest": this is a section of forest with a truly magical atmosphere, among centuries-old chestnut trees and incredible encounters with "the giraffe" (a tree with a peculiar shape) and "Munch's Scream" (a rock with familiar features), perhaps near the Wild Man's Lair, a natural cave named after the person who inhabited it, according to popular legend.
The Labante Caves, which, with their 54-meter-long are the largest travertine caves in the world. They present a totally hollow rock that creates a unique karstic phenomenon.
It is worth visiting the hamlet of Rocca di Roffeno, a small, well-preserved jewel where you can admire the splendid Abbey of Santa Lucia, once a hostel for pilgrims on the Via Nonantolana. Also of interest are the small village of Sassomolare, a classic fortified settlement perched on three hills offering a stunning view, and Villa d'Aiano, from which you can set off on a walk to the evocative Orrido di Gea.
Information
Municipality
Piazza Nanni Levera 12, 40034, Castel d'Aiano (BO)
Phone +39 051 6735711
Email comune.casteldaiano@cert.provincia.bo.it
Web https://www.comune.casteldaiano.bo.it/home
