Crevalcore between Nature and History

Crevalcore offers a variety of reasons to visit: a Natura 2000 site with diverse birdlife, a historic centre, museums and a designated cycling route. Depending on your interests, you can make nature, cultural history or cycling the focus of your trip planning. You can also take the train connection from Bologna into account.

Nature and Birdlife

The Natura 2000 site IT4050025, the SAC/Special Protection Area “Biotopi e Ripristini ambientali di Crevalcore”, is home to a total of 35 bird species of Community interest, including 13 breeding species. The area also includes 108 migratory bird species, 55 of which breed there. Its birdlife includes both species of Community interest and migratory species; some species in both groups breed there. For travellers interested in nature and birdlife, the protected area is a clearly defined attraction alongside the town’s historic offerings.

Historic Centre and Local History

The historic centre has largely preserved its urban layout, which dates from the 18th and 19th centuries. This applies in particular to the buildings along the main street. A bronze sculpture from 1897 in the central square commemorates the scientist Marcello Malpighi. The Chiesa della Concezione houses an 18th-century Traeri organ.

The history of the Teatro comunale di Crevalcore also extends beyond individual buildings: the theatre is associated with the Accademia degli Indifferenti Risoluti, whose activities date back to 1648. Another historical trace can be found in the Oratorio next to Castello dei Ronchi. In 2007, during the rearrangement of a reliquary display case, the base of a rare late antique glass beaker from the 4th century was found there. Figures of Saint Peter and Saint Paul are engraved in gold leaf.

The Oratorio della Rotonda also dates from the 18th century. An avenue once connected it to Villa Caprara in Ronchi; today, the railway cuts across the avenue. This adds a concrete example of how a former connection has changed to the picture of the area’s historic sites.

Museums and Cultural Highlights

The Museo dei burattini Leo Preti is housed inside Porta Bologna. On display are Leo Preti’s original puppet theatre, 60 puppets, 110 painted backdrops and other materials from his work. The Museo della Pace is also located in the Centro Melò and displays finds and equipment from the First World War. The two museums have different focuses: puppet theatre and stage sets at one, and artefacts from the First World War at the other.

Historical Re-enactments and Events

“Le vie del tempo” is a historical re-enactment spanning different eras, held along the streets in the centre of Crevalcore. It covers periods from prehistory to the Second World War. Another historical perspective is offered by the medieval event “4 Passi nel Medioevo” in the park of Villa Ronchi. While “Le vie del tempo” covers a broad sweep of history, the second event focuses on the Middle Ages.

The culinary tradition is also linked to a specific occasion: at the 2025 edition of the Festa della Pasta Ripiena e del Castrato in Bevilacqua, traditional filled pasta was prepared and served with castrato, the festival’s signature dish. This description refers to the 2025 edition.

Cycling and Getting There

Crevalcore can be reached by bicycle via the Ciclovia del Sole, which forms part of the EuroVelo 7 European route. For a ride with a specific stated distance, the circular route “Il meglio di Crevalcore in bicicletta” is a useful option in its own right: it is 19 kilometres long and combines culture, nature and local traditions. The cycling connection via the Ciclovia and the length of this circular route answer different planning questions; no connection between the two routes is implied.

Crevalcore has a railway station on the Bologna–Verona line and can be reached from Bologna Centrale on this line. Check the current timetable with the operator before travelling. This lets you consider the train journey separately from deciding whether birdlife, museums and historic sites, or a cycling tour will be the main focus of your trip.

Discover more destinations: Molinella, Scuola, Santa Viola, Quarto Inferiore, Budrio, Malalbergo, Castel Guelfo Di Bologna, Valsamoggia.

For the main travel overview: Bologna.