|
 |
Tourist Guide - Around Bologna
 SAN LAZZARO DI SAVENA
Located just a few kilometres east of Bologna, the small town of San Lazzaro has been inhabited since Paleolithic times, as documented by its excellent archeological museum. San Lazzaro truly came into its own, however, during the Middle Ages when it became a strategic watering place on the roman "Via Emilia", an obligatory stop for those travelling from south to north.
The town's name derives from the presence of a leper hospital that once stood in the area now occupied by the town hall.
 History and wars have not been kind to San Lazzaro; it retains almost none of its past charm. Not far from the town, however, is the extraordinary park "dei Gessi Bolognesi" which contains valuable historical, artistic, architectural artifacts in a setting of spectacular natural beauty. Of particular interest is the Karsts system Spipola-Acquafredda, one of the world's largest gypsum caves, an obligatory stop for lovers of Nature and adventure.
IN HALF A DAY
 Archeology and Nature
The tour begins with a visit to the excellent local Museum of Archeology L. Donini, recently renovated with an eye to innovation and interaction, providing the visitor with a fascinating introduction to the subject. After the museum, the tour continues by foot in the Natural Park with visits to the Santa Cecilia Abbey in Croara, the "Palestrina", an ancient selenite mine dating from Roman times, the quarry at Filo where many of the artefacts on display at the museum were recovered, the oratory of the Madonna of the Forests, and a medieval castle.
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 noble villas and their beautiful gardens, or by visiting the suggestive crypt at Vangnana or the enchanting Abbey of M. Armato. An unusual choice for the afternoon might be a visit to the Memorial War Museum.  Dedicated to WWII, this museum contains an open-air exhibit of tanks, vehicles, airplanes and armoury; the showpiece of the collection, however, is the reconstruction, complete with sounds, lights and other special effects, of a hill-town unfortunate enough to lie on the famous "Gothic line" and the battles it endured. Watching the show, the visitor relives those events first-hand in an unforgettable experience.
COMBINATION
It is also possible to combine a half-day trip to San Lazzaro with a half-day tour in Bologna.
|
