At the beginning of the twentieth century, the Bolognese plain underwent a massive land reclamation project. What was once a marshy area, often subject to flooding, is now therefore presented as a wide expanse of cultivated fields, areas of naturalistic interest and quiet provincial villages.
The objective of the Ciclovia Antiche Paludi Bolognesi is to lead cyclists and amateur cyclists to discover this area and its peculiarities, still poised between water (that of the Idice River, which flows through it) and the green of its land.
This is an easy itinerary, with a slight difference in altitude and a length of about 45 kilometers, which rise to 110 if you also wish to make the return leg to Bologna. Alternatively, it is possible to return by train.
What are the stages of the cyclovia? Moving away from the provincial capital, along the route you will first encounter interesting towns and villages worthy of note, and then penetrate even further into the lower Bolognese area and come to lap the Po Delta Park area.
The starting point is set in Extrabo, in the heart of Bologna. From here the ride begins in the direction of Castenaso and the MUV, the Museum of Villanovan Civilization, which investigates the history of the Etruscans in the Bolognese territory.
The journey then continues with a stop in Budrio, where a stroll through the charming old town is a must to discover the Ocarina Museum-a typical musical instrument of the area-and the remarkable works of art preserved in the Domenico Inzaghi Art Gallery.
After admiring the wonderful Villas of Bagnarola in the countryside around Budrio, the bike route reaches Molinella crossing the large green area called "Biotopes and Environmental Restorations of Medicina and Molinella," located right between the municipalities of Budrio, Medicina and Molinella.
The Antiche Paludi Bolognesi Ciclovia ends its journey in Campotto, in the municipality of Argenta, and at theVallesanta Oasis. From here it is possible to enter the Po Delta Park and reach the nearby Comacchio Valleys, for example.
Ciclovia Antiche Paludi Bolognesi GPX
