Castel Bolognese and Solarolo are two villages rooted in a “middle land”, between the Ravenna hills and plains: where these elements merge, quality of life reaches a very high level.
Via Emilia, which crosses Castel Bolognese and touches Solarolo, and in proximity to Imola and Faenza, granted these towns an interesting historical vivacity.
Founded by the Felsinei family in 1380, from Medieval times it has always honored its name of “castle”: Cesare Borgia completely destroyed it during his conquer of Romagna, Napoleon in 1979 defeated papal armies, while in 1945 it was an important German stronghold close to the Gothic Line.
The town center of Castel Bolognese is enriched with an open-air museum: a visiting path among bronze and ceramic sculptures by Angelo Biancini, telling the story of the artistic evolution of their maker from the 30’s to his passing.
Around 2 km away from the town center, Mulino Scodellino is located, the last standing example of a series of mills, erected from the XIV and XV century along a water channel.
The Mill probably owes its name Scodellino to the “scudella”, a quantity of flour kept by the miller.
Castel Bolognese Municipality acquired the possession of the Mill in 1489. It is possible to visit the mill during Spring FAI Days and thanks to the many events organized all year round.
This itinerary moves then to Solarolo, once known as Castrum Solaroli, a small village surrounded by the plains, for a long time wanted and disputed by local political powers: ruled by the Manfredi family, lords of Faenza until 1501, it was later seized by “il Valentino”, then the Venetian Republic took over. It was given as a pledge to the Gonzaga family of Mantova and then to the Papal State.
Solarolo town centre shows the traces of different ages: archaeological remains, Medieval walls and fascinating 19th century villas.
In Via Ordiere 3 the Archaeological Site of Via Ordiere is located, a Bronze Age village keeping one of the widest and richest prehistorical heritages of Romagna. Thanks to the collaboration of Bologna University, the site is visitable during the many events organized for schools and citizens.
Note: the popular and authentic soul of the two towns finds its best expression during two festivals and their rivalry about which is the biggest and oldest: Assumption Festival in Solarolo and Pentecost Festival in Castel Bolognese. Two events that bring back to life the typical food and musical traditions of Romagna, along with a very rare and humble way of having fun.
