Discover Loiano: Astronomy, History and Landscapes

Loiano combines astronomy experiences with church art, historic villages and cycling opportunities. The astronomy park is located 1 kilometer beyond Loiano on Strada Statale 65 della Futa toward Monghidoro; the Bologna Montana Art Trail, on the other hand, starts at Piazza Dall'Olio in the town center. When planning a hotel stay in Loiano, it is worth deciding first what you want to focus on: the planetarium, local history, art or cycling routes.

Astronomy and Visit Planning

In the planetarium, a digital dome six meters in diameter projects the night sky. An astronomy presentation is offered either as a documentary film or as a live talk by an astronomer; a daytime visit to the historic telescope is also available. The activity typically takes 75 to 90 minutes; the minimum age is six. Public daytime visits to the historic telescope and the planetarium are offered on Saturdays or Sundays according to a set calendar, but generally not in winter. Check the calendar before traveling to plan your visit around the available dates.

Church Art and Historic Sites

The parish church Chiesa parrocchiale dei SS. Giacomo e Margherita was founded by the Augustinians in the 14th century. Its choir, presbytery and bell tower were built by Pier Jacopo dei dall'Olio with the participation of architect Mauro Bianchini. Inside are a Saint James by Denijs Calvaert, a statue of the Madonna del Carmine by Angelo Peo' and an 18th-century terracotta Pietà. The church thus brings together architectural history and artworks from different periods.

Anconella is an old village in the Loiano area, most of which dates back to the 16th century. Its distinctive colonnaded building once served as a rest hospital for pilgrims; the old road to Florence also passed through Anconella. The place can therefore be viewed from two historical perspectives: the building's former role in serving pilgrims and the road that ran through the village.

Art Trail and Mountain Biking

The Bologna Montana Art Trail starts in Loiano at Piazza Dall'Olio. It is a circular route that starts and ends in the center of Loiano and is about 100 kilometers long. The start and finish are therefore rooted in the town, while the length indicates the scale of the route.

The Bologna Montana Bike Area includes Loiano and offers mountain biking opportunities in all four seasons. The range extends from highly technical sections for Gravity Enduro and Mountain Trail to easier stretches. The All Star Trail is designed for both beginner mountain bikers and users of handbikes and tandems. Conditions on individual trails may vary; take this into account when planning a specific ride.

Views and Botanical Diversity

From Scanello, the view stretches across the main mountains of the Idice and Savena valleys to the high Apennines on one side and the hills surrounding Bologna on the other. The contrast between the mountain panorama and the hills around Bologna gives the view a clearly defined range.

The Giardini del Casoncello in Loiano are a natural, ecologically sustainable garden. Despite its relatively small area of about one hectare, the garden has an unusually rich botanical diversity. As a living museum, it offers a wide variety of plant species and is intended for people who want to explore the plant world for professional, scientific or personal reasons.

Festivals and Geographic Setting

The Festa d'la batdura is a traditional festival in Loiano that celebrates the farming tradition of grain threshing in mid-July. If the festival influences your travel dates, check the specific dates and program separately. Loiano is also close to the historic Strada della Futa, which connects Bologna and Florence.

Discover more destinations: San Marino, Madonna dei Fornelli, San Giovanni In Persiceto, Baragazza, Tossignano, Scuola, Castel Del Rio, Argelato.

For the main travel overview: Bologna.