Casalecchio di Reno

Casalecchio di Reno, with its so named river running through it, is nestled between the plains and the first hills of the Emilian Apennines. It is an obligatory point of passage when visiting the Reno Valley.

Here stands the imposing Reno lock, the oldest example of hydraulic engineering in Europe still in operation and used continuously. From here the Reno Canal starts, alongside it there’s a beautiful cycle path that provides a peaceful route through greenery right up to Bologna. 

The Casalecchio lock was built in 1208 to provide a driving force to the mills and factories of the booming medieval city, as well as to feed the waterways that would open international commercial channels for Bolognese products. The lock, included among the UNESCO sites messengers of a culture of peace, is still in operation today and can be visited during guided tours that are organized periodically by the Consortiums of the Reno and Savena canals.

The Colle della Guardia hillside dominates the town, mounted by the impressive, famous Bolognese Sanctuary of San Luca. This connects directly to Casalecchio through the Brégoli trail. Not far away is the large park, Parco Talon ( or della Chiusa). 

The Lido of Casalecchio, reachable on a nice bike ride, offers splendid panoramic views of the lock and the river.

Fresh handmade pasta is one of the gastronomic specialties that Casalecchio celebrates every year in its "Festa dei Sapori Curiosi" (curious flavours festival). Among these the "strichetto" stand out, a type of hand-made pasta similar to farfalle (bow tie pasta), which in Casalecchio also boast a brotherhood.