Castenaso
Emilia-Romagna · Bologna

Castenaso

16,500 residents · 81,800 within 5 km · 41 m above sea level

91Quality of life
77Infrastrutture
87Economy

What Castenaso is actually like

Castenaso, located just a short drive from Bologna, offers a unique blend of historical richness and modern convenience. Nestled along the banks of the Idice River, this small town boasts a vibrant expat community and is accessible, with a commendable walk score. Key attractions include the Museum of the Villanovan Civilisation, which showcases archaeological finds from the Etruscan period, and the Church of the Madonna del Pilar, where the famous composer Gioacchino Rossini was married. The area also offers recreational opportunities, such as the nearby Casalunga Golf Club and the annual Grape Festival, celebrating local traditions with food and culture. While Castenaso presents a peaceful lifestyle characteristic of Italian towns, expats may find limited nightlife and shopping options compared to larger cities. Nevertheless, its proximity to Bologna allows residents to enjoy urban amenities while relishing the charm of a quieter locale.

How Castenaso is built

Post-war expanded comune

Pre-war 19%Mid-century 67%Modern 14%
Settlement pattern
Semi-dispersed
33% of homes scattered in the countryside
In town 67%Dispersed 33%
Condition
88%
Some wear — 12% needs work
Good / excellent 88%Poor / mediocre 12%
Occupancy
93%
Lived-in year-round — 7% holiday or vacant
Main homes 93%Holiday or vacant 7%
CastenasoVillanovaFiessoMaranoFossamarciaMadonnaTorre
Historic coreEstablishedPost-warModernRuralSparsely built

Building age, condition and occupancy from the ISTAT census (2011), by census section. Occupancy is shown as one honest split — the 2011 census does not reliably separate holiday homes from vacant ones.

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