A trip to the New Imola District offers an opportunity to explore an often overlooked treasure: water. This fundamental element, which has historically served as a means of communication, a remedy for infections and a source of life, is of crucial importance to the area.
Through three different types of walks, visitors can immerse themselves in the enchanted nature of these municipalities, moving from Romagna to Emilia. Each route is designed to acquaint visitors with the multiple functions of water, allowing them to appreciate not only its scenic beauty but also its vital role in local history and culture.
These walks provide a unique opportunity to rediscover water not only as a resource, but as an element that has shaped the territory and the lives of the people who live there. An enriching experience that invites reflection on the importance of preserving this precious asset. All that remains is to put on your hiking shoes and set off on an unforgettable adventure.
We are sure that after this immersion you will also want to learn about other aspects of the area from art to history, from motors to food and wine.
The Canale dei Mulini (Watermill Canal) still visible today across the flatland around Imola provides an outstanding testimony to medieval hydraulic engineering. Its route winds in a north-westerly direction to finally flow into the River Reno, and dates back to the Middle Ages, when the Benedictine monks of Santa Maria in Regola built it - partly in a pre-existing canal from the Roman epoch.
Since its creation, the canal has served multiple purposes: in addition to acting as a defensive structure for the urban settlement of Imola, it helped reclaim marshy land, allowed navigation and provided energy for local crafts and manufacturing industries.
Over time, numerous watermills were installed along its course, which were essential for grain processing and the development of the food industry. In addition to providing energy, the canal regulated the flow of water, ensuring a constant supply for production activities.
Restoration and improvement works were carried out in recent years to create a charming trail along the canal - allowing walkers to immerse themselves in a landscape that is evocative of centuries-old heritage.
The route, about 3 km long (an easy walk for everyone), begins in the heart of Imola: the green meadow just outside the Rocca Sforzesca fortress. With your back to the fortress, you can access the area of the former “Lolli” psychiatric hospital through a cycle path. On emerging from the underpass of Viale Saffi, you will start walking alongside the Canale dei Mulini, following its course.
Continuing across Via degli Sminatori, where the canal is covered, you will find Via Santa Lucia on your right. After continuing along Via degli Orti and then along Via Canale, the canal will become visible again, accompanying visitors with its peaceful water flow all the way to Via Sbarco, in the Ponticelli village area, where the walk ends.
Leaving Imola and following the Via Emilia for 12 km, you will reach Castel San Pietro Terme.
This small municipality in the Emilia hinterland was granted the status of Slow City to acknowledge the local quality of life.
The Castel San Pietro Terme Thermal Spa has an ancient origin: the water of its Roman baths was already well known for its healing properties.
In 1337, during an epidemic, sick animals were healed after drinking water from the local 'Fegatella' spring.
In the 19th century, the sulphurous, ferruginous water rich in sodium chlorides and iodide flowing from springs on the left bank of the Sillaro river was studied and used to treat a variety of ailments.
It was in the 19th century that the local spa became a renowned health resort, attracting visitors wishing to get well and relax.
The spa has evolved over time, adopting modern treatment techniques while maintaining its historical charm: today it is one of the few spa establishments that does not use regenerated mud, thanks to the abundant production of thermal mud obtained by macerating clay extracted from the quarries of San Martino in Pedriolo in the sodium chloride, iodine and bromine-rich water from the local spring.
Today, Terme di Castel San Pietro spas offer innovative treatments, thermal pools and wellness programs, while retaining the charm of their long-standing tradition.
Here you will enjoy a relaxing, healthy experience combining cultural heritage and nature.
