Highlights & Landmarks

The Corno alle Scale area stands out as one of the main natural hubs of the Bolognese Apennines, where landscapes, history, and outdoor adventure come together. Among its most iconic landmarks is the Cross of Corno alle Scale, set at 1,945 metres on Punta Sofia—a breathtaking panoramic point from which, on clear days, views stretch from the Adriatic to the Tyrrhenian Sea and as far as the Alps. The Corno alle Scale ski resort forms the heart of high-altitude sports, with slopes and trails that have even hosted the training sessions of Olympic champion Alberto Tomba.

The area also bears the marks of history, particularly the Gothic Line: Monte Belvedere was a key stronghold during the Second World War and is now crossed by trails linking former positions and mountain refuges. This historical dimension is complemented by places of quiet spirituality, such as the Sanctuary of Madonna dell’Acero, set among maple and beech trees, and the Sanctuary of Madonna del Faggio, a secluded hermitage deep in the forest.

Among the mountain villages, Pianaccio – birthplace of legendary Italian journalist Enzo Biagi – features a documentation centre dedicated to his life, while Monteacuto delle Alpi preserves the charm of traditional mountain architecture. Cultural offerings include the Ethnographic Museum of Poggiolforato and the Quartz Museum in Lizzano in Belvedere.

Nature takes centre stage at the Dardagna Waterfalls, where cascading streams cut through dense beech forests, and across a network of scenic hiking routes such as the Via della Lana e della Seta and the Cammino Mater Dei. The area is also a well-established destination for cycling and outdoor activities, with routes that wind across ridgelines, forests, and valleys in the heart of the high Apennines.