Hotel & Meeting Centergross
Bentivoglio - Via Saliceto 8
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Picturesque village nestled in the Bologna plain, Bentivoglio is a captivating destination for anyone wishing to discover authentic, genuine Emilia-Romagna characterised by tradition, history and excellent cuisine. Despite its modest size, this town boasts a rich past filled with events and figures who have left an indelible mark on its identity and architectural heritage. The earliest settlements in Bentivoglio appear to date back to the 9th century BC, but it was the Romans who undertook the first land reclamation projects to make the territory more habitable and hygienic.
The town’s history has always been intertwined with that of the Navile Canal, constructed in the early decades of the 1200s and utilised as a communication route and trading hub. From the medieval period onwards, the territory came under the rule of various noble families, including the Bentivoglio, who gave their name to the city and helped establish it as an important political and cultural centre. The Bentivoglio, renowned for their patronage and love of the arts, built their residence here and contributed to the construction of numerous buildings that still characterise the village today.
Today, the town still preserves numerous reminders of its past, such as the Bentivoglio Castle, the Rocca and the Church of San Giovanni Battista, which bear testament to its long and fascinating history. Beyond its historical attractions, Bentivoglio is also renowned for its gastronomic traditions, boasting the production of fine wines, cured meats and cheeses of exceptional quality.
The village of Bentivoglio has managed to preserve its ancient charm intact, with winding cobbled streets, red-brick houses and stately palaces that tell stories of a glorious past. It’s perfect for exploring on foot because as you wander through it, you’ll not only breathe in the village atmosphere but also discover local shops and establishments selling traditional products and food.
Built in the 15th century, Bentivoglio Castle is undoubtedly the town’s most important monument and one of its symbols, thanks to its majestic crenellated tower that dominates the urban landscape. Considered an outstanding example of Renaissance architecture, the castle is also known as “Domus Jocunditatis” (House of Joy) and was commissioned by Giovanni II Bentivoglio, lord of Bologna.
The mansion, constructed on the site of a former fortress, was originally used by the Bentivoglio as a country residence for hunting and had no real defensive function. Between 1889 and 1897, Alfonso Rubbiani carried out the first restoration of the complex, lending it a 19th-century character. From that period also dates the creation of two statues, depicting Ginevra Sforza and Giovanni II Bentivoglio, executed by sculptor Giuseppe Romagnoli.
Today, the castle houses a museum that tells the story of the Bentivoglio family and the town through a rich collection of period furnishings, artefacts, artworks and antique objects. Visitors can admire the frescoes decorating the walls of the rooms, such as those by Lorenzo Costa, and stroll through the gardens surrounding the castle.
Overlooking the Navile Canal, Palazzo Rosso was commissioned in 1887 by the Marquis Carlo Alberto Pizzardi, who entrusted the project to renowned architect and restorer Alfonso Rubbiani, who was already active in restoring the town’s castle. The palace takes its name from the red bricks with which it was built and features decorative elements in the Liberty style and paintings executed by Giulio and Achille Casanova and Augusto Sezanne.
Inside, the building extends over three storeys that were once used for different purposes: the ground floor housed offices and reception rooms, the first floor (or noble floor) was the main residence, while the second and top floor was a space reserved for staff.
Within the palace are splendid decorations considered among the finest expressions of Ars Aemilia, a society founded in Bologna by architect Alfonso Rubbiani at the end of the 1800s that brought international Liberty style to the Bologna territory. One of the most beautiful rooms is certainly the Hall of the Zodiac, where you can observe floral elements, animals, celestial symbols and various constellations.
The Museum of Rural Civilisation is housed within the 19th-century Villa Smeraldi and is a venue that recounts the history and traditions of the Emilian countryside between the 19th and 20th centuries. The museum displays an extensive collection of tools, utensils and objects linked to rural life, such as ploughs, carts, period furniture and traditional clothing. Visitors can immerse themselves in a bygone atmosphere, discovering how peasants of the past lived and worked.
Villa Smeraldi owes its name to its last owner Rigoberto Smeraldi and is a large complex that includes the main residence, the factor’s home, the granary, the stable, the woodshed, the dovecote, the icehouse and the gardener’s cottage. Surrounding the buildings is a large park that represents a peaceful oasis for strolls and outdoor activities.
La Rizza Nature Reserve, also known as the Former Rice Fields of Bentivoglio, is an important protected natural area located in the heart of the Po Valley, just a few kilometres from Bentivoglio’s town centre. This zone, once dedicated to intensive rice cultivation, has been transformed into a biodiversity haven that hosts many bird species, both resident and migratory.
Among the most significant avifaunal species you can observe are herons, little egrets, cormorants, wild ducks and even the rare white storks. Within the nature reserve, several paths of varying length and difficulty have been created, suitable for leisurely walks and birdwatching.
Among the smaller and most characterful towns to stay in around Bologna, Bentivoglio offers a captivating mix of history, culture and nature. It’s an ideal destination for those seeking a tranquil and relaxing getaway, far from the chaos of major cities yet with the typical charm of historic locations.
Its historic centre offers several hotels and a few bed & breakfasts, whilst its surroundings present a wide choice of farmhouses, ideal for those wishing to immerse themselves in the Emilian countryside and enjoy a stay focused on relaxation and fine food. Another option is to stay in Bologna, where numerous accommodation options are available at various price points, and then reach Bentivoglio by car or public transport.
Bentivoglio is a charming medieval village located just 20 km from Bologna and is connected to it via the SS 64 Porrettana state road that links upper Tuscany to Emilia-Romagna, passing through the Bologna Apennines. The car journey from Bologna takes around 30 minutes, whilst from Ferrara it’s approximately 45 minutes. Those travelling from the north (such as from Padua or Rovigo) can take the A13 motorway to the Bologna Interporto exit, then head onto the SP 3 (Trasversale di Pianura) and then turn onto the SP 45 towards Bentivoglio. Those coming from Rimini must first travel along the A14 motorway and then along the SP45.
The nearest railway stations to Bentivoglio are Castel Maggiore (10 km away) and San Giorgio di Piano (5 km away), both situated on the Padua-Bologna line. Once you arrive at one of these stations, you’ll need to take a local bus company service, which takes approximately 20 minutes to reach Bentivoglio’s town centre. Bentivoglio is served by a well-developed network of bus lines that connect the village to Bologna and other localities in the province. Finally, the nearest airport to the town is Bologna’s “Guglielmo Marconi”, which is just over 20 km away.
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