Ancient art and architecture combines with the luxury automobile industry in the pleasant village of Sant’Agata Bolognese. A medieval charm fills the village streets, where remnants of 11th-century fortifications still stand. Browse noteworthy art and enjoy an evening of elegance at the theater. Sant’Agata Bolognese is also the birthplace and manufacturing headquarters of the Lamborghini brand.
Start your visit at the millennia-old tower Porta Otesia, which marks the historic entrance to the village. Then, spend time walking without a plan along cobblestone streets framed by colorful buildings notable for their graceful arcades and shutter windows. As you wander you’ll see alleys that wouldn’t look out of place in a movie scene. Sip on a coffee and snack on slices of pizza at bars and cafés.
Piazza dei Martini is the center of the village and dominated by the Parish Church of Santi Andrea e Agata. Admire the 16th-century frescoes of the Oratory of the Holy Ghost by artists from the Raphaelesque school. Also of note is a portrait of Sant’Agata credited to religious painter Guido Reni. Experience the spiritual tranquility of the village at the Church of Frati Di Sant'Agata Bolognese and Santuario dell’Addolorata.
Get an insight into the world of luxury sports cars at the Lamborghini Museum. See examples of the different styles of Lamborghinis that have been designed and built here since 1963. Have fun test driving a Lamborghini via a virtual simulator and purchase brand merchandise at the museum store. There’s also the chance to join a guided tour of the production line.
Back in the village, learn about the ancient human settlements that have inhabited the metropolitan region of Bologna at the Museo Archeologico Ambientale. Attend performances by ballet companies, singer-songwriters, string quarters and theater groups at Teatro Bibiena. The theater’s 150-seat capacity auditorium allows for intimate interactions between audience members and performers.
Sant’Agata Bolognese is about a 30-minute drive from both Bologna and Modena. Public buses travel to the village from both cities. With closely grouped attractions and quiet roads, the village is ideal for exploring on foot.
