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Tourist Guide - Around Bologna
 MONTERENZIO
Located in the hills to the south-east of Bologna, the village of Monterenzio extends over a large area of the Apennines between the valleys of the Idice and the Sillaro. Mention is made of the Castle of Monterenzio in historical records as early as 1298, though it was lost to history by about the middle of the fourteenth century, devastated by the troops of Barbarossa and the war between Bologna and Ferrara. However, much evidence of the medieval origins of the settlement still remains.
Between Monterenzio Nuovo and Monterenzio Vecchio stands the thirteenth-century Tower, the distinctive feature of the hamlet of Scaruglio, which was built in the fourteenth century. Going down towards the river Idice, we come to another hamlet, Villa di Cassano, whose buildings date back to between the middle of the fourteenth and the fifteenth century.
Of considerable interest are the two tower houses on whose portal an eight-point star may be seen. Around Monte Bibele, remains have been found of an Etruscan-Celtic village dating back to the fourth century BC. Excavations have unearthed cisterns, tombs, houses, streets and a number of everyday objects used by the inhabitants of the settlement, such as pottery containing carbonised seeds, tools, decorations, arms, and coins.
These finds can today be seen in the new Archaeological Museum of Monterenzio and provide evidence of the history of the settlements of the valleys of the Idice and the Zena. The exhibition, which houses the region's most complete collection of Celtic material - one of the most important in Italy - also features a real-life reconstruction of the wooden floor system of a house in the settlement of Pianella di Monte Savino, furnished with authentic objects or reproductions illustrating many aspects of village daily life.
IN HALF A DAY
 Archeology and Nature
The itinerary begins with a visit to the famous local Archaeological Museum, focussing mainly on the Celtic invasions. It continues with a visit to the splendid Archaeological Park of Monte Bibele where the exhibits on show in the museum were discovered. The park extends over a wild hillside area of great fascination, amidst woods populated with deer.
IN ONE DAY
After lunch, which may be packed or eaten in a local trattoria, the tour may be continued with visits to some of the nearby medieval hamlets or by visiting the suggestive crypt at Vangnana or the enchanting Abbey of M. Armato, dated back XI Century.
COMBINATION
It is also possible to combine a half-day trip to Monterenzio with a half-day tour in Bologna.
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