Castles, hills and canals – discover Bologna by bike

This Collection was born out of my love for my adopted city, Bologna. Renowned for landmarks such as the Two Towers, Piazza Maggiore, and the Sanctuary of San Luca, as well as museums and theatres, the northern Italian city boasts plenty of culture – and excellent cuisine.

However, Bologna is also a true cycling playground. The number of male and female cyclists is increasing every year, and the cycling network is ever-expanding. Bologna is where my passion for cycling was born, first for urban cycling and then for bike touring. With the Po Valley and the Bolognese hills just a few miles from the city centre, the next adventure is always just around the corner.

In this Collection, I propose three must-do itineraries for discovering Bologna and its surroundings. The itineraries are very varied and develop on different hills, so you can choose between the climbs or the plains.

If you want to ride in the hills, you can follow the castles route between Bologna and Modena, a Tour that reveals the history of the area. Or, you can pedal along the meandering Zena Valley, which climbs slowly with minimal gradient. In this valley, you can admire the changing landscape through different geological formations. These two routes are ideal for those who are relatively new to cycling as the climbs are not steep. On the other hand, if you want to ride in the plains, I suggest a loop from Bologna to Ferrara, where you’ll ride along historic canals in the middle of the countryside.

The routes all have the same starting point: the central train station in Bologna. You’ll find both paved and unpaved roads so I recommend a bicycle suitable for different types of terrain. Along the route, there are numerous water fountains to fill your water bottles. You can ride these routes year-round; the two routes that go into the hills are perfect for escaping the thick fog in winter. Finally, don't forget the tools to repair your bike in case of minor breakdowns.