In Appennino, in south-east side of Bologna rise San Benedetto Val Sambro, that was born by the fusion of two countries, Pian del Voglio e Poggio dei Rossi, both with ancient origins.
This land, typical place to spend summer holidays, is rich of sanctuaries, placed in really suggestive naturalistic settings, in fact this territory develops its self through Saetta, Lambro and Savena valleys.
To visitin Pian del Voglio, twelve kilometres far from the centre of Appennino, is the Comitale palace with its tower built in the 15th century. It lies near the San Giovanni Battista church: it was property of the noble family de' Bianchi, was refuge for the Medici family during its exile from Florence and it was residence of Cardinal Lambertini who became Pope Benedetto XIV.
In Ripoli interesting to visit is the S. Andrea church, perhaps built during '300 but certainly restored at the of '600. In its inner you can admire the "Visitazione della Madonna" by Guido Reni.
The resort Madonna dei Fornelli owes its name to the sanctuary dedicated to Madonna della Neve, built in 1638 by the inhabitants to celebrate the end of the Black Death described by Alessandro Manzoni in his romance "I Promessi Sposi". The image of Madonna col Bambino painted on copper and is placed in the "tempietto": every year this image is taken in religious procession to Castel dell' Alpi, where lies for 8 days. After this period, during the Ascension Day the image come back to the sanctuary with sings, bells and band to worship the sacred image.
      Far 7 kilometres from San Benedettoto to visit is the famous lake of Castel dell'Alpi , with landslides origins, the most beautiful lake of these lands.
Cultivated lands, fields, meadows and woods paint with beautiful colours mountains and valleys.
The same woods, whose tree in the past were cut down cause source of wood to face winter, today are flourishing and wonderful. Oak woods, chestnut ones, but also pine woods and others are today places of quite, serenity offering fresh shades and oxygen.