Municipality of Medicina

The Bolognese Baroque in the Churches of the Historic Center

Between the 17th and 18th centuries, Medicina enjoyed a long period of administrative, economic, and cultural prosperity, leaving significant marks on the urban fabric and architectural renewal. The churches in the historic center, full expressions of Bolognese Baroque, define the characteristic skyline and preserve the historical and artistic events linked to religious orders and the secular Confraternities once hosted in the city.

The “Il Quadrone” Oasis

The “Il Quadrone” wildlife protection oasis, established by the Province of Bologna in 1985, represents an important stopover and nesting site for avifauna. The area features a wetland, a hygrophilous forest, and a wet meadow. The complex is particularly suited for tourism and environmental education. The educational farm and equipped visitor center host workshops for school groups and guided tours for families and visitors of all ages throughout the year.

Market Exhibition “The Porticoes of Medicina”

Established in 2004, it is the largest antique market in the province of Bologna, featuring 390 exhibitors from 7 AM until evening. The fame of this market has grown over the years, establishing itself as one of the most important in Italy, attracting exhibitors and visitors from all over the country; antique furniture and furnishings, paintings, ceramics, vintage clothing, lamps, books, and musical instruments.

Every first Sunday of the month (excluding January, July, and August).

The Civic Museum and A. Borgonzoni Art Gallery

Housed in the Palazzo della Comunità, the ancient residence of the municipal administration, the Civic Museum holds a rich archaeological section (Bronze Age, Roman, and medieval), the 19th-century Hospital Pharmacy (complete with original shelves, counters, and jars), the workshop of the luthier A. Poggi, and the A. Borgonzoni Art Gallery, consisting of over 100 paintings by the renowned artist from Medicina. Not to be missed, at the Chamber of Labor, is his mural “History of the People of Medicina from 1921 to 1948,” which stretches 45 meters in length and 1.70 meters in height.

The Onion of Medicina

Cultivated in Medicina since the early 20th century, the Onion has become over the years a true symbol of the territory. Red, white, and golden, different varieties for different culinary uses: raw, baked, fried, for jams and sweet-and-sour sauces. From a humble product of the land to the undisputed Queen of Medicina’s cuisine, it has also conquered the small screen in the kitchen of MasterChef Italy, thanks to the tribute of the Michelin-starred chef Bruno Barbieri, who was born in Medicina. Since 2009, the “Cipolla di Medicina” brand has been registered with the Bologna Chamber of Commerce and accounts for 10% of national production. On the second weekend of July, the Ancient July Fair – Medicipolla is held: the famous Cipolla di Medicina and Medicina forage, the basis of the Parmigiano Reggiano supply chain, are the main attractions of the event. The fair also features vintage and modern agricultural machinery, markets, animal exhibitions, and the opportunity to taste traditional friggione, onion ice cream, and fried onion!

Frederick Barbarossa and the Legend of the Snake Broth

The most famous and evocative legend of Medicina is undoubtedly the one linked to Frederick I, Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. The popular tradition passed down through the centuries tells that the sick Emperor, upon arriving at the castle of Medicina, was welcomed and miraculously healed by a broth into which a snake had inadvertently fallen. Barbarossa ordered that the place of regained health be called Medicina and granted new boundaries and numerous privileges to the Community. At the roots of the legend, there is not only historical-literary fantasy but documented historical facts. Indeed, in 1155, during his descent into Italy, Barbarossa issued an imperial diploma recognizing rights, privileges, new boundaries, and defenses of the castle of Medicina and its territory. To commemorate the ancient imperial privileges, every year on the third weekend of September, “Il Barbarossa” medieval festival takes place, recreating the atmosphere of the ancient castle in the historic center. For three days, the streets of the town are populated by hundreds of costumed figures, nobles and commoners, duelists and storytellers, ancient crafts and musicians. Shows of all kinds and numerous refreshment points offer visitors a unique experience.

The Radio Astronomy Station

“Why don’t you build a radio telescope?” With this phrase, Professor Giampiero Puppi addressed Marcello Ceccarelli. Thus began the radio astronomy adventure in Italy in Bologna. It was May 1959. The Radio Astronomy Station of Medicina, an observational station hosting one of the largest transit radio telescopes in the world, is managed by INAF (National Institute for Astrophysics). The station hosts two instruments (radio telescopes): the large Northern Cross (owned by the University of Bologna and first made operational in 1967) and a 32-meter diameter dish, inaugurated in 1983. In its laboratories, a team of engineers and technicians is responsible for the design and development of all aspects concerning observational instruments. Near the radio telescopes is the “M. Ceccarelli” Visitor Center, a facility dedicated to visits by the public and school groups to discover radio astronomy, the instruments used to explore the Universe, and the research projects active in our country.