San Giovanni in Persiceto

San Giovanni in Persiceto is a commune in the Metropolitan City of Bologna with a medieval center organized by concentric streets surrounding a main square. The Collegiate Church stands at the heart of this layout, and the town's structure still follows the original plan that shaped its development.

The settlement began as a Roman-era location and later became known as Borgo Rotondo when established by Lombard King Liutprand in the early medieval period. Over time it grew into the administrative center it remains today.

The central Piazzetta Betlemme displays colorful trompe-l'oeil paintings created by set designer Gino Pellegrini that reflect local artistic traditions. These painted wall artworks shape the character of the main plaza and show the creative energy that has marked the town across generations.

Regular trains connect the town to Bologna and other destinations in the Emilia-Romagna region, making it easy to visit as part of a wider regional trip. The main plaza is walkable, and the medieval streets invite exploration, though visitors should be ready for uneven cobblestone paths.

The Agricultural Attendance Institute Partecipanza manages a system of shared land use where common territories are redistributed among residents every nine years. This unusual model represents an ancient form of community resource sharing that remains distinctive to this place.

Location: Metropolitan City of Bologna

Capital city: San Giovanni in Persiceto

Elevation above the sea: 21 m

Shares border with: Anzola dell'Emilia, Castelfranco Emilia, Cento, Sala Bolognese, Sant'Agata Bolognese, Castello d'Argile, Crevalcore

Website: http://comunepersiceto.it

GPS coordinates: 44.64083,11.18500

Latest update: December 14, 2025 21:23