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Pianoro
Comune di Pianoro
PIANORO-BO.jpg
Coat of arms of Pianoro
Coat of arms
Country Italy
Region Emilia-Romagna
Frazioni Carteria, Gorgognano, Guzzano, Livergnano, Montecalvo, Montelungo, Musiano, Pian di Macina, Pianoro Nuovo, Pianoro Vecchio Rastignano, Sesto
Area
 • Total 107 km2 (41 sq mi)
Elevation
200 m (700 ft)
Population
 (31 December 2019)
 • Total 17,528
 • Density 163.8/km2 (424.3/sq mi)
Demonym(s) Pianoresi
Time zone UTC+1 (CET)
 • Summer (DST) UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code
40065
Dialing code 051
Patron saint Assumption of Mary
Saint day August 15

Pianoro is a town located in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. It sits in the beautiful hills of the Tusco-Emilian Apennine Mountains, about 200 meters (656 feet) above sea level.

This town is part of the province of Bologna. It is connected to bigger cities like Bologna and Florence by a main highway and a local railway station.

Exploring Pianoro's Past

Ancient Settlements and Legends

Long ago, people believed that an Etruscan king named Ocno lived in the Pianoro area. The Etruscans were an ancient people who lived in Italy before the Romans.

Archaeologists have found signs of both Celtic and Etruscan settlements at a place called Monte Bibele. The Romans also lived here, and you can still see their influence in the names of some local villages, like Sesto.

The Castle of Pianoro

In the 11th century, a powerful lord named Bonifacio of Canossa lived in the Castle of Pianoro. However, the people of Bologna later destroyed the castle. They believed the people of Pianoro were plotting against them.

Pianoro During World War II

During World War II, Pianoro faced a very difficult time. The town was heavily bombed by Allied forces. A major battle took place nearby in October 1944, involving German and American soldiers, along with local resistance fighters. Thousands of soldiers lost their lives.

Engineers reported that almost all of the town, about 98.5 percent, was destroyed during the fighting. Many German soldiers from the war are buried at the German Military Cemetery and War Memorial at the Futa pass, which is a few kilometers south of Pianoro.

Rebuilding the Town

After the war, the town was rebuilt about 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) north of its original spot, closer to Bologna. The new town is called Pianoro Nuovo, which means "New Pianoro." The remains of the old town are now known as Pianoro Vecchio, or "Old Pianoro."

Pianoro's Economy and Industries

Pianoro is home to several important industries. Many companies here focus on mechanical engineering, which involves designing and building machines. There are also businesses that specialize in packaging solutions. Another key industry is chemicals, with companies producing various chemical products.

Nature and Fun in Pianoro

Beautiful Landscapes and Parks

Pianoro shares a special natural area called the Gessi Bolognesi e Calanchi dell'Abbadessa Park with a nearby town. This park is famous for its unique landscape, which includes karstic features. You can see sinkholes, badlands (eroded hills), and tall cliffs.

Outdoor Adventures

The area around Pianoro is perfect for outdoor activities. There are many trails that people use for walking, hiking, and biking. One very famous trail is the Via degli Dei, which means "Path of the Gods." This trail connects Bologna to Florence and crosses the Apennine Mountains.

A Successful Cricket Team

Pianoro is also known for its very successful cricket team, the Pianoro Cricket Club. They have won the Serie A tournament and the Italian Goblet many times. In 1995, they even won the European Championship!

Getting Around Pianoro

Pianoro is well-connected to other cities. The National Highway SS65 Futa links it to Bologna and Florence. Bologna is about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) away, and Florence is about 88 kilometers (55 miles) away.

The Pianoro railway station offers regular train services. You can catch trains to Bologna Centrale and Prato. There are also trains that go between Florence and Bologna.

Local bus services, run by TPER, provide frequent connections to Bologna, San Lazzaro di Savena, and Monghidoro. These buses make it easy for people to travel around the area.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Pianoro para niños

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