The territory of San Benedetto Val di Sambro, nestled in the Apennines south of Bologna, is a mosaic of dense forests and wide panoramas that stretch from the heights of Pian di Balestra to Monte dei Cucchi, where the peaks are over a thousand metres high. Here, nature is king, inviting you to leisurely explorations, energetic excursions or moments of pure relaxation surrounded by greenery.

Among the park's natural gems is Lake Castel dell'Alpi, created in 1951 by a landslide that blocked the course of the River Savena. That dramatic event created a new beauty spot: today, the lake is a popular summer destination with fishermen, and is perfect refreshing walks.

The past has also left important traces in the local architecture. In the heart of Pian del Voglio stands Palazzo Ranuzzi de Bianchi, an elegant building dating from the late 14th century, recently restored to its former glory. At one time, after 1938, it housed a kindergarten run by the church authorities: today, it is once again one of the cultural symbols of the town.

San Benedetto Val di Sambro is another place where history meets nature. At an altitude of almost 800 metres, the village of Madonna dei Fornelli is an iconic destination on the famous Via degli Dei, the route connecting Bologna to Florence. Hidden in silent woods, you can still see the remains of the Flaminia Militare, the Roman road that ran along the ridges towards Tuscany. In 2024, the trail was enhanced by an evocative "wind organ": an installation in the Monte Galletto park, created by organ builder Claudio Pinchi, which transforms the wind into music.

A short distance away is Qualto, one of the most fascinating villages in the Bolognese Apennines. Dating back to 1200, it is the oldest village in the area. The stone houses, narrow alleys and the imposing Church of St Gregory the Great – dedicated to Our Lady of Mount Carmel – give it an authentically medieval atmosphere.

Other villages are no less impressive, such as Cà Musolesi with its 16th and 17th-century architecture and a splendid tower-house, or Ripoli, where you can admire a 14th-century parish church. In Serra, there is the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of the Serra (1616), which houses a precious painting of Our Lady of the Rosary. Both Ripoli and Madonna dei Fornelli are destinations on the Via Mater Dei, the spiritual path that visits the main sanctuaries of the Bolognese Apennines.

Then there are the tiny hidden gems: Zaccanesca, a medieval village built by the Comacine masters, and Le Serrucce, where the houses, arranged in terraces, open onto a panorama that embraces the Corno alle Scale, the Cimone and Mount Vigese.

Finally, the "Via dei Mulini" offers a journey into the past. Along the Sambro and Setta rivers you will discover about forty water mills, some hidden by vegetation, but others still visible and even working. It is a unique testimony to ancient milling activity and the deep bond between these lands and their rivers.

This is San Benedetto Val di Sambro: powerful nature, timeless villages and paths that tell of centuries of history. It's an open invitation to those seeking excitement, peace and authenticity.