Savena
The Savena district is located in the south-east of Bologna and takes its name from the stream of the same name that flows through that area, marking a natural border with the municipality of San Lazzaro di Savena.
The area is characterised by a hillier southern part, which slopes down to become flat in the northern area. The Bellaria, Due Madonne, Fossolo, Monte Donato and Pontevecchio residential areas are part of the district.
From an urbanistic point of view, Savena is partly formed by high-rise apartment blocks dating back to the 1950s and 1970s. On the other hand, it is characterised by beautiful villas, also of modern architecture, that stand on the hillside and are in great demand on the real estate market. Moreover, the village of Ponticella is also popular with those looking for a flat to rent in the area.
It is precisely the alternation of different architectural styles that shows that this area has been affected by different urbanisation processes and at different times. On a positive note, the intense building process has not particularly affected the public green space, in fact it is an area with vast green areas and gardens.
Despite its more peripheral location, the district is well connected to the city centre thanks to an efficient public transport network, especially buses. For those in possession of a car, there is also easy access to both the ring road and the motorway.
Apartments in Savena
What to see and do
The river is a distinguishing feature of the Savena district, along its meandering pathways, parks and gardens, some with recreational areas, to be explored on foot or by bicycle. During a tour of the area, it is also nice to pass by Ponte Torrente Savena and Ponte dei Cedri, a wooden bridge connecting Cedri Park with Parco della Resistenza. The latter is already in the municipality of San Lazzaro di Savena, has short paths and Dinosaur replicas, as well as the 'Luigi Donini' Museum of Prehistory. Scattered throughout the district are a series of public parks that can be visited daily to spend time in the open air.
Within the Savena district, moreover, you can breathe an air of shared memory, there are signs, symbols and places that tell of women and men, of patriots who fought for freedom during the years of oppression. Bologna was a very active city in terms of resistance and there are many places that tell and remember that history.
Among the places of historical and cultural interest to visit is the Church of Santa Maria Annunziata di Fossolo. It is much more than a place dedicated to religious worship, it is the oldest monument in the district. Another stop along the route is the Oratory of Santa Croce, now a place dedicated to artistic events aimed at enhancing the small, deconsecrated church.
In Via Toscana, the theatre of Villa Aldrovandi-Mazzacorati, whose history began in the 17th century, can still be visited. It is a private theatre inside an 18th-century villa. The life of the theatre is taken care of by an association that enhances and promotes culture, shows are still staged, as well as guided tours and recreational events promoting the area.
Keeping the neighbourhood and its social dimension alive are various association clubs, the municipal libraries, and the Fossolo Cinema in Viale Abramo Lincoln. A bowling alley in the municipality of San Lazzaro di Savena.
Where to eat and drink
Gastronomic tradition and good food characterise Bologna and also the Savena district.
If you fancy seafood dishes or an excellent Neapolitan pizza, one of the landmarks in the area is Ristorante Pizzeria Il Galeone. The restaurant is easygoing and understated, with simple wood panelling and model galleons, but their art is their cooking. Not far away is Ristorante Pizzeria Pino Smeraldino, also highly recommended for pizza.
Other pizzerias to try are: Pizzeria il Monello and Pizzeria Del Vicolo ponticella in San Lazzaro, for takeaway; Storiedipinte Savena, in addition to pizza also offers burgers and craft beers.
To eat traditional dishes, here are some reference restaurants and taverns: Bitone, Bolognese menu in a refined venue; Osteria Satyricon, rustic furnishings and regional dishes; Dalla Signora Stella, tortellini in brodo and platters of regional cured meats; La Taverna Del Farneto di Fabrizio Boccafogli, in San Lazzaro di Savena, Italian menu with quality ingredients in a rustic but refined setting.
For a quick lunch: La Tana dell'Orso, paninoteca and handmade piadine; Piadineria da Obelix; Orsoghiotto piadineria.
When you feel like branching out into exotic and international cuisines, you will also find excellent proposals in Savena, such as La Mulata Brazilian restaurant where the menu offers barbecued meat in churrascaria; Dong Restaurant for Chinese cuisine; Nagoya Restaurant for sushi and Japanese cuisine. On the other hand, Vegèta Gastronomia San Lazzaro di Savena is a vegetarian restaurant with an innovative formula offering great variety and original proposals.
There is also no shortage of places for an aperitif or an after-dinner drink: Old Bridge Pub, the realm of beer; Malt&Hops Pub Bologna, a risto-pub with a varied offer; Birreria Amadeus, craft and bottled beers; Locanda Dei Bastardi, a risto-pub also serving grilled meat. Across the stream you will also find Monkey Cocktail Lab, specialising in even creative cocktails.
When the time comes for a good pastry or breakfast: Pasticceria Levante, Buongiorno... Caffè ?!, Dolce Peccato Pastry and coffee shop, Bar Pasticceria Astorri Bologna, Pasticceria San Lazzaro, Pasticceria Repubblica, Patisserie Prestige.
Where to go shopping
Facilities in and around the neighbourhood include a whole range of shops, supermarkets and shopping centres for shopping and various purchases.
There are shops for clothes, shoes, bags, gifts, household and furnishing items, bookshops, jewellers, pharmacies and so on. In short, there is everything you could possibly need.
Supermarkets include: Conad, Esselunga, Naturasì for organic products, Carrefour, Eurospin, Pam, Coop, Crai. Some of the best-known chains in Italy. If you are looking for a shopping centre, there is the Centronova in the municipality of Castenaso, where you can find all kinds of shops, the hypercoop supermarket and informal restaurants for a break.
In San Lazzaro di Savena there is Mercatopoli, a second-hand market where you can find a bit of everything, there is a wide variety of articles and always interesting bargains. From vintage clothes and objects to pieces of furniture, there is also an outdoor area with salvaged building materials such as tiles, bricks, but also tyres and bike wheels.
The goods are organised in sectors, which is a plus point that makes it a popular warehouse or bazaar because it makes it easier to find what you need and also makes it easier for those who just want to have a look.
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