Parco del Cavaticcio
Bologna, Emilia-Romagna
Located in a hip, industrial part of Bologna (a stone’s throw from MAMbo, the Museum of Modern Art of Bologna), this small public park provides a green refuge in the dense, crowded city, and plays host to a number of open-air events in the summertime. It was built over the historic Cavaticcio Canal, and parts of the city’s medieval-era industrial past are still visible here.
The basics
Parco del Cavaticcio attracts history buffs as well as architecture and design aficionados, and it’s possible to observe traces of Bologna’s old canal network here, including brick foundations. This is also a great spot to unwind and relax after sightseeing around Bologna’s centro storico, the medieval and Renaissance-era city center. The park’s somewhat off-the-beaten-path status means that it’s not always included on guided tours, but it can be added as a stop on private or customizable itineraries.
Things to know before you go
- While it’s easy to visit the park independently, consider going with a guide who can explain the history of Bologna’s thriving silk trade throughout the late Middle Ages and early Renaissance, which was powered by its historic waterways.
- The park has plenty of places for lounging, including grassy areas by the water and public seating. Bring a book or a picnic if you’d like to spend longer here.
- Be sure to bring water and sun protection if you’re visiting in the summer, when landlocked Bologna experiences an uncomfortable spike in temperatures—and humidity.
- The park hosts cultural events such as the Bologna Jazz Festival and the Biografilm Festival, which showcases documentaries and biopics. Check the calendar to see what’s on.
How to get there
If you’re staying in the centro storico, then chances are you can reach the park on foot. From Piazza Maggiore, for example, count on around a 17-minute walk. You can also catch a local bus and get off at Via dei Mille/Piazza Dei Martiri; from there, it’s just a 5-minute walk. From Bologna Centrale Train Station, you can walk there in 10 minutes.
When to get there
If it’s a buzzier experience you’re seeking, then come during the summer months, when the park swells with tourists and locals alike and hosts concerts, outdoor film screenings, and food-truck events. When it’s warm out, you’ll often find musicians busking too. For a quieter atmosphere, then avoid Bologna’s peak summertime season and head here during the winter or shoulder seasons.
Exploring Bologna’s arts district
Parco del Cavaticcio is located in Bologna's Manifattura delle Arti district, which is also home to MAMbo and the Cineteca di Bologna. Open since 2007, Bologna’s modern art museum boasts both a wide-ranging permanent collection and frequent workshops, lectures, and temporary exhibits; admission is free with the Bologna Welcome Card. Meanwhile, the Cineteca is a must for cinephiles, as the cultural institution organizes regular screenings of both new and classic films.
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