The best road cycling routes around Parco regionale Monte Sole
4.5
(144)
4,381
riders
145
rides
Road cycling routes around Parco regionale Monte Sole traverse a diverse landscape in the Bolognese Apennines, situated between the Reno and Setta river valleys. The terrain features gentle hills, dense forests, and open mountain pastures, providing varied cycling experiences. The park spans approximately 6300 hectares, offering panoramic views from higher elevations over the surrounding valleys.
Best road cycling routes around Parco regionale Monte Sole
- The most popular road cycling route is Riola Railway Tunnel Entrance – Mazzini Street, Porretta Terme…
Last updated: August 16, 2026
50
riders
78.4km
03:55
1,240m
1,240m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5.0
(2)
50
riders
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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15
riders
52.4km
02:46
960m
960m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
3.0
(2)
28
riders
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
22
riders
48.7km
02:58
1,270m
1,260m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Tips from the Community
The small center of Monzuno is perfect for a break on the second stage of the Via degli Dei. Here you can strengthen yourself in a café or restaurant, get a snack in a small supermarket, or refill your water at the drinking fountain.
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Even today it is not possible to visit it
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Built by Count Cesare Mattei, it consists of countless rooms connected by various staircases, a kind of labyrinth with several towers. Worth a visit.
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Small village with bars and grocery stores for refreshments and rest along the way
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Madonna dell’Acero, a charming place surrounded by immense forests of beech and fir trees, located at an altitude of 1200 meters above sea level. The name of the place derives from an old print with the image of the Blessed Virgin dressed in Greek style, affixed to the trunk of a tree located in a clearing in the 14th century. Legend has it that two deaf-mute children, while they were busy guarding their flock at pasture, were caught in a storm and found refuge under an enormous maple tree. During the raging bad weather, the Madonna appeared and made them regain their hearing and speech. At home they reported that the Virgin wanted to be venerated in that place. The parish priest of Rocca Corneta, informed of the apparition, thought of transporting the image to the parish and celebrating the event in the presence of the Bishop. But on the day scheduled for the celebrations the sacred image had disappeared. The Madonna, the locals say, had returned to the Maple, leaving signs of herself on all the tree trunks along the road. It is also said that the marked trees could not be cut down: a man, who wanted to try to cut down one, located in his chestnut grove, was crushed under the branches of the tree. A small chapel thus arose around the Maple that enclosed the tree stripped of all its branches. The current suggestive sanctuary, built in a very simple style, like a group of small houses next to each other, dates back to the 16th and 17th centuries.
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VERY PARTICULAR AND VERY PRETTY CHURCH IN THIS STYLE
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Beautiful place, only saw this when I woke up in the morning Very nice cycling environment too
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THE CLIMB WHICH STARTS SLIGHTLY FROM THE CROSSROADS TO THE LIMENTRA, INCREASES A LITTLE BIT AND THEN FLATTENS A FEW METERS FROM THE CASTLE ENTRANCE
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many road cycling routes are available in Parco regionale Monte Sole?
There are over 150 road cycling routes available in Parco regionale Monte Sole, offering a wide range of experiences for cyclists of all levels.
What is the general difficulty level of road cycling routes in Parco regionale Monte Sole?
The routes in Parco regionale Monte Sole cater to various skill levels. You'll find approximately 9 easy routes, 60 moderate routes, and 84 difficult routes, ensuring options for both casual riders and experienced climbers.
Are there challenging road cycling routes for experienced cyclists in the park?
Yes, for experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, there are over 80 difficult routes. An example is the Riola Railway Tunnel Entrance – Church of Castel d'Aiano loop from Pioppe di Salvaro, which covers 78.3 km with over 1200 meters of elevation gain, typically taking nearly 4 hours to complete.
What kind of terrain can I expect on road cycling routes in Parco regionale Monte Sole?
Road cycling routes in Parco regionale Monte Sole feature a diverse landscape of gentle hills, dense forests, and open mountain pastures. You'll experience varied terrain, from mostly asphalted surfaces to routes with notable elevation changes, all set within the beautiful Bolognese Apennines.
Are there any historical sites or landmarks to see along the road cycling routes?
Yes, the park is rich in history. You can encounter significant sites such as the Marzabotto Massacre Memorial and the Monte Sole Summit and Partisan Memorial. The area also features remnants of destroyed churches and the ancient Etruscan city of Kàinua at the Marzabotto archaeological site.
What natural features can I expect to see while cycling in the park?
While cycling, you can enjoy an extraordinary floristic variety, including holm oaks, pines, and chestnuts. The park is home to diverse fauna like red deer, roe deer, and over 60 bird species. From higher vantage points, you'll be treated to stunning panoramic views over the Reno and Setta valleys, and distant peaks like Montovolo and Monte Cimone.
Are there family-friendly road cycling options in Parco regionale Monte Sole?
Yes, the park offers family-friendly cycling options, including completely flat cycle paths. The route between Marzabotto and Pioppe Di Salvaro is particularly suitable for families, providing a safe and enjoyable experience.
Can I find circular road cycling routes around Monte Sole?
Many of the road cycling routes in Parco regionale Monte Sole are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For instance, the Gardeletta Mural – Rioveggio Bridge loop from Pioppe di Salvaro is a moderate 42.6 km circular path with varied terrain.
What is the best time of year to go road cycling in Parco regionale Monte Sole?
The park is generally suitable for cycling from spring through autumn. These seasons offer pleasant weather conditions to enjoy the diverse landscapes and panoramic views without the extremes of summer heat or winter cold.
What do other cyclists say about road cycling in Parco regionale Monte Sole?
The road cycling routes in Parco regionale Monte Sole are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 130 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, beautiful scenery, and the well-maintained paths that offer a rewarding experience.
Are there any routes that offer particularly scenic views?
Absolutely. Many routes provide breathtaking panoramic views over the Reno and Setta valleys from higher elevations. The Riola Railway Tunnel Entrance – Bridge over the Reno in Vergato loop from Pian di Venola, for example, offers scenic stretches along the river and through the regional landscape.
Is parking available for cyclists near the road cycling routes?
Yes, parking is generally available at common starting points for routes within and around Parco regionale Monte Sole, such as near visitor centers or towns like Pioppe di Salvaro and Marzabotto. It's advisable to check specific starting points for detailed parking information.
How can I reach Parco regionale Monte Sole using public transport with my bike?
The park is accessible by public transport, particularly via train services that connect Bologna to towns like Marzabotto. Many regional trains allow bikes, but it's recommended to check the specific train operator's policy and schedules for bike carriage before planning your trip.
Most popular routes around Parco regionale Monte Sole
Most popular attractions around Parco regionale Monte Sole
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