Cinque Cerri and Sasso Marconi
Cinque Cerri, meaning “Five Oaks,” is an estate in the hills of Emilia-Romagna, in the municipality of Sasso Marconi. Its restored late 19th-century villa stands on a 17-hectare agricultural property near the Via degli Dei hiking trail. The Locanda dei Cinque Cerri combines accommodation, event spaces, gardens and regional dining. Locanda Cinque Cerri halalbooking.com
Sasso Marconi lies between the Po Valley and the Apennines, amid chestnut forests, rock formations and river landscapes. The area is associated with wireless pioneer and Nobel laureate Guglielmo Marconi, Roman-era heritage and local agricultural traditions. audiala.com
History
Sasso Marconi’s history reaches back to Roman times, with connections to the ancient Via Flaminia Minor and the Flaminia road. Cinque Cerri’s late 19th-century villa reflects the rural aristocratic lifestyle and summer retreats of affluent Bolognese families. Its agricultural setting, including oak groves and cultivated fields, also reflects traditional land management and the biodiversity of the Apennine foothills. Locanda Cinque Cerri Touring Club Italiano Italia Mappata
The restored residence has exposed beams, terracotta floors and stone walls. Its verandas, antique furnishings and period details evoke its late 19th-century origins. locationmatrimonio.it
What to see and do
The Cinque Cerri estate
The estate has gardens, walking trails, terraces and event spaces, as well as views of the surrounding hills. Villa Griffone, home to the Marconi Museum, is among the nearby cultural attractions. audiala.com
The Locanda’s restaurant serves Emilia-Romagna cuisine using seasonal local ingredients, including Mora Romagnola pork. Dishes include crescentine (Modenese focaccia) and tortellini in capon broth. The broader area is known for tortellini, lasagne, local wines, agriturismi, food festivals and fresh regional produce; Tuscan dishes are also available in border villages. Touring Club Italiano halalbooking.com
Via degli Dei
The Via degli Dei is a 130-kilometer hiking trail linking Bologna and Florence along routes associated with Roman and Etruscan history. It passes ancient sites and the Sanctuary of San Luca, and is described as suitable for hikers of all abilities. Cinque Cerri is near the trail and can serve as a place to rest and enjoy regional cuisine. The route is open year-round, with guided hikes available. Locanda Cinque Cerri
Sasso Marconi and outdoor activities
Sasso Marconi has museums dedicated to Guglielmo Marconi, festivals, markets and a range of accommodation. The area’s protected parks and hills offer opportunities for hiking, biking, horseback riding, birdwatching and kayaking along the Reno River. Guided and self-guided tours are supported by local groups and digital resources.
The Parco Regionale dei Gessi Bolognesi e Calanchi dell’Abbadessa has hiking and guided tours. The Sanctuary of the Madonna della Neve is another local site.
Practical visiting information
Hours, tickets and tours
The Locanda is open to guests year-round. The stated reception hours are 9:00 AM–8:00 PM; another listing gives typical visiting hours of 10:00 AM–10:00 PM. Confirm current hours and availability with the Locanda, as hours may change seasonally. There is no general entrance fee to walk the grounds. Reservations are required for dining and accommodation, and guided estate tours are available by appointment. Events and tours may require reservations or tickets.
Other published opening information for the area includes:
- Parco Regionale dei Gessi Bolognesi e Calanchi dell’Abbadessa 8:00 AM–sunset; free entry; guided tours by reservation.
- Sanctuary of the Madonna della Neve 9:00 AM–6:00 PM; free entry.
- Via degli Dei open year-round; guided hikes available.
- Sacrario dei Caduti per le Stragi Nazifasciste 9:00 AM–6:00 PM daily, with possible holiday variations; free entry. Guided tours are available by appointment, with advance booking advised.
Most outdoor sites are generally open from dawn to sunset, but seasonal changes may apply. Tickets for museums, tours and exhibitions can be purchased through official tourism platforms or local offices.
Location and transport
The Locanda is at Via Val di Setta 121, Sasso Marconi. It is about two minutes from the motorway exit and around 20 minutes from Bologna’s city center. It is also described as roughly 25 km from Bologna. Sasso Marconi lies 16 km southwest of Bologna, and Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport is about 20 km away.
By car, Cinque Cerri can be reached via the SS64 Porrettana; Sasso Marconi is also accessible from the A1 Autostrada del Sole. Regional trains and buses connect Bologna and Sasso Marconi, and public buses link Sasso Marconi with neighboring towns. Parking is available at the estate.
Accommodation, dining and facilities
The Locanda offers rooms with rustic furnishings and modern amenities, including free Wi-Fi, and is listed as hosting up to 130 guests. Its main hall accommodates up to 130 people for weddings and events; additional facilities include a ballroom, pavilion, gardens and terraces.
Other amenities include concierge services, luggage storage, a safety deposit, tour bookings, a library and communal lounges. Parking is free, with attendants during events, and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi is available. The restaurant serves local seasonal cuisine, including halal-friendly options and alcohol-free options; the facilities listing also mentions alcohol-free areas. halalbooking.com locationmatrimonio.it
Accessibility
Some estate grounds and facilities are accessible to people with disabilities, and adapted facilities are available. The Sacrario has accessible paths and facilities. Contact the Locanda or relevant site in advance about specific accessibility needs.
Maps, images and virtual tours of Cinque Cerri and the Via degli Dei are available through official tourism platforms and partner sites; trail apps and digital resources can also support trip planning. The Audiala app is described as offering planning resources, updates, latest tips and exclusive offers.
Tips
Spring and autumn are described as good times to visit for mild weather and natural beauty. Summer is livelier, while winter is quieter and cooler. The region has a temperate climate.
Reserve accommodation, dining and tours in advance, and check private event schedules, which may limit access to parts of the Locanda. A car is recommended, though regional trains and buses connect Bologna and Sasso Marconi. English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
For the Sacrario, weekdays are generally quieter; mornings on weekdays are suggested for a visit. Wear comfortable shoes, keep quiet and be respectful at the memorial. Photography is permitted, provided visitors are respectful. Ask the Locanda directly about its current pet policy.
Nearby places
The Sacrario dei Caduti per le Stragi Nazifasciste, at Via Sacrario, Sasso Marconi, is 4.7 km from the Locanda. It commemorates victims of Nazi-Fascist massacres and violence in Emilia-Romagna. Sculptures, plaques and inscriptions tell the story of the victims. Annual commemorations are held, especially on Liberation Day, April 25th. Entry is free. Emilia-Romagna Cultural Heritage
Other nearby places include:
- Riserva Naturale Contrafforte Pliocenico 3.4 km away, with hiking trails.
- Museo Nazionale Etrusco Pompeo Aria 15 minutes by car.
- Bologna’s historic center 20 minutes away.
- Villa Griffone (Marconi Museum) a nearby site connected with Guglielmo Marconi.
- Protected parks, agriturismi and Sasso Marconi’s museums.
FAQ
What are the Locanda’s opening hours?
Published hours differ: reception is listed as 9:00 AM–8:00 PM year-round, while another listing gives typical visiting hours of 10:00 AM–10:00 PM. Check with the Locanda before visiting.
Are tickets required to visit Cinque Cerri?
There is no general entrance fee to walk the grounds. Reservations are required for dining and accommodation; tours and events may require reservations or tickets.
Is Cinque Cerri accessible to visitors with disabilities?
Some grounds and facilities are accessible, and adapted facilities are available. Contact the Locanda in advance about specific requirements.
How do I get to Cinque Cerri from Bologna?
It is about 20 minutes from Bologna’s city center by car, with another estimate of roughly 25 km from Bologna. Regional trains and buses also connect Bologna and Sasso Marconi.
What makes the Via degli Dei special?
It is a 130-kilometer trail between Bologna and Florence, associated with Roman and Etruscan routes and passing ancient sites and the Sanctuary of San Luca.
Are guided tours available?
Estate tours are available by appointment. Guided hikes on the Via degli Dei and guided tours at the regional park are also listed; book in advance where required.
Is entry to the Sacrario free, and can visitors take photographs?
Entry is free. Photography is permitted, provided visitors are respectful.
Are pets allowed at the Locanda?
Contact the Locanda to ask about its current pet policy.
