This content was automatically translated. View the original text.
Monghidoro, famous as the birthplace of Gianni Morandi, is much more than just an Apennine village: it is a lively tourist and shopping destination where history, nature and traditions are harmoniously intertwined. Strategically located on the border between Emilia and Tuscany, this ancient passage between the Po Valley and central Italy was for centuries one of the main routes across the northern Apennines.
Its origins date back to the 8th century AD, when the Goths settled here, giving the place the name Mons Gothorum, "Mount of the Goths", from which the present-day Monghidoro derives. But in the Middle Ages, the village was known as "Scaricalasino", which loosely translates as "unload the donkey": a picturesque name that tells of the muleteers who would unpack their goods here before the border checks.
Today, Monghidoro is a true natural treasure trove. The paths lead through green landscapes, rural villages, ancient churches and the evocative Castellaccio Park, where the medieval castrum, seat of the Mountain captaincy, once stood.
Must-sees include Alpe di Monghidoro and Parco La Martina Park, the busy starting point for local excursions. This is the intersection of the main trails such as the Via Mater Dei and the Alta Via dei Parchi. The routes are suitable for both experienced walkers and those who prefer a quiet stroll.
The Alpe extends from the sources of the Savena river to the Tuscan ridges, forming a mosaic of beech, chestnut, fern and coniferous forests. Along the Savena, you will find old windmills that tell of centuries of flour grinding. Meanwhile in Monte Oggioli, Triton's Park awaits you - an adventure park surrounded by greenery, with a free picnic area and a picturesque pond populated by newts.
There is also a rich architectural and religious heritage here. The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, for which records date back to 1256, was rebuilt after the war. Inside is a splendid canvas of the Immaculate Conception with Saints by the painter A. Burrini, dating from 1685. It adjoins the and adjoins the elegant Olivetan cloister, now a perfect space for summer concerts.
In the nearby hamlet of Campeggio stands the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, famous for its reproduction of the French grotto. In 2025, the sanctuary was recognised as a 'jubilee site' and now hosts an exhibition dedicated to Count Acquaderni, a prominent figure in ecclesiastical history.
Finally, not to be missed is a tiny cultural gem: the Museum of Peasant Civilisation of the Apennines in Piamaggio, which gives a glimpse into mountain life in the past.
40063 Monghidoro BO, Italy
