San Lazzaro di Savena
Welcome to San Lazzaro di Sàvena: let's discover this Emilia-Romagna municipality together
Hi guys, today I will talk to you about a very pretty municipality located in the metropolitan city of Bologna: San Lazzaro di Sàvena. With its 32,631 inhabitants, it is a quiet and welcoming city, ideal for spending a relaxing weekend.
Physical geography
The municipality is crossed by the State Road 9 Via Emilia, built in the 3rd century BC by the Consul Marco Emilio Lepido. It develops near the first hills of Bologna and is crossed by several watercourses, including the Zena, Idice, and Savena. Not far from the town center are the Grotta della Spipola and the Grotta del Farneto, where you can go on excursions to discover the fascinating world of Karst in gypsum.
Climate
The climate of San Lazzaro di Sàvena is generally warm and temperate, with significant annual rainfall. According to the Köppen climate classification, the territory falls under the category of humid subtropical climates. As for the legislation on heating system ignition, the municipality belongs to the E climate zone, which means that the maximum allowed limit is 14 hours daily, from October 15th to April 15th.
Origins of the name
The name San Lazzaro di Sàvena consists of two parts: the first part comes from the hospital that was built east of the ancient walls of Bologna in the Middle Ages, around which the community of San Lazzaro developed. This hospital was named after its patron, the beggar Lazarus. The second part of the name derives from the watercourse that borders the city from north to south, Savena, which owes its name to the Etruscan language.
Things to see in San Lazzaro di Sàvena
If you decide to spend a weekend in San Lazzaro di Sàvena, there are several things to see and do. First of all, I recommend taking a walk in the historic center of the city, where you can breathe the authentic atmosphere of Emilia-Romagna. You can admire the impressive Church of San Lazzaro, where valuable paintings and sacred objects are preserved.
But that’s not all: if you are nature lovers, you can go on a hike to the Parks of Savena, where there are paths and naturalistic routes perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in nature. The main park is Parco del Farneto, where there are also the Grotte del Farneto and the Grotta della Croara.
If instead, you want to learn more about the history of San Lazzaro, you can visit the Civic Museum, which houses a vast collection of historical and artistic objects related to the city and its territory.
The flavors of the territory
But you can’t talk about a place without talking about its flavors. San Lazzaro di Sàvena offers a wide selection of typical Emilia-Romagna products, including mortadella, tortellini, crescentina, and Parmigiano Reggiano. If you want to taste these and other local products, I recommend stopping by the Fiera di San Lazzaro, which is held every year in September.
How to reach San Lazzaro di Sàvena
San Lazzaro di Sàvena is only 6 km from the center of Bologna, so it is easily reachable by public transport or by car. If you decide to use public transport, you can take bus number 19 or the train that leaves from Bologna Centrale station. By car, instead, you can follow the State Road 9 Via Emilia.
Conclusions
In conclusion, San Lazzaro di Sàvena is a city that deserves to be visited not only for its historical and naturalistic places but also for its hospitality and cuisine. If you are looking for a destination for a relaxing weekend, I recommend considering this little gem of Emilia-Romagna.
