Medicina
Emilia-Romagna · Bologna

Medicina

16,800 residents · 50,700 within 5 km · 23 m above sea level

87Quality of life
73Infrastructure
80Economy

What Medicina is actually like

Medicina, located in Emilia-Romagna, east of Bologna, is a quaint town with a rich history dating back to the Bronze Age. Known for its Latin-derived name meaning 'place dedicated to health', the town boasts various attractions, including notable churches like the Carmine Church and Assunta Church, and the Prandi Palace. The Medicina Civic Museum celebrates local culture with exhibits such as the luthier workshop of Ansaldo Poggi. A highlight for nature enthusiasts is the Oasi del Quadrone, a reserve offering diverse flora and fauna. The town also hosts unique events, such as the reenactment of the Barbarossa Legend, showcasing medieval traditions. While Medicina benefits from a high quality of life, minor challenges include limited proximity to major transport hubs, with the nearest beach located approximately 80 kilometers away. Nevertheless, its strong sense of community, cultural richness, and culinary specialties, such as the local onion, provide a welcoming environment for expats and retirees.

How Medicina is built

Post-war expanded comune

Pre-war 18%Mid-century 58%Modern 24%
Settlement pattern
Semi-dispersed
30% of homes scattered in the countryside
In town 70%Dispersed 30%
Condition
89%
Mostly sound — 11% needs work
Good / excellent 89%Poor / mediocre 11%
Occupancy
86%
Lived-in year-round — 14% holiday or vacant
Main homes 86%Holiday or vacant 14%
Medicina-BudaVilla FontanaGanzanigoSant'AntonioFossatonePortonovoCrocetta
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.

Towns like Medicina

Closest matches in Emilia-Romagna on quality of life, infrastructure and economy.

  • Spilamberto — Modena · 13,000 residents
  • Faenza — Ravenna · 58,700 residents
  • Molinella — Bologna · 15,800 residents
  • Argenta — Ferrara · 21,200 residents
  • Vignola — Modena · 26,200 residents
  • Carpi — Modena · 73,300 residents

The rest of the Medicina profile — cost of living, healthcare, climate, broadband, schools and the full pros & cons — is behind a free account.