LANDED IN AN ENCHANTED VALLEY
Our guest house has a history that dates back to the period after the Second World War: in 1952 the grandfather of the current owner Antonio Gaggioli bought the land that was resting on a ridge of rock along the bank of the river Randaragna, to build the house there that would then be destined for his two sons.Our guest house is located in Randaragna, a small town in the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, in the municipality of Alto Reno Terme in the province of Bologna. We are 490 meters above sea level on the left bank of the river Reno. The right bank of the river is the Tuscany region. The town is located at the confluence of the Reno river and the Randaragna stream. We recommend to visit the water mill, which until the nineties was used to grind chestnuts: at the mill there is an ancient bridge - disused - made of stone in the Middle Ages. Along the river Randaragna, which gives the name to the village where our guest-house resides, there are a total of 10 water mills, many of which are unfortunately reduced to ruins: this is one of the clearest evidence of the liveliness of our mountain resorts, widely inhabited until the twentieth century, as they suggest - near the mills along the river - the remains of terraced land for agricultural use, now covered by vegetation.
Among the typical gastronomic products of the town there is the Tortellone Montanaro, to which the local people dedicates a popular festival that takes place on the first weekend of August. Another typical product of our mountains is the chestnut beer, anciently made by Celtic populations even in our latitudes where the tribes of the Galli Boi settled: thanks to a project funded by the European Union this ancient tradition has been rediscovered, also developed thanks to the contribution of the Experimental Educational Park of Castagno, a nature reserve dedicated to the cultivation and study of the various species of chestnut tree, which is located in Granaglione, another little town in the municipality of Alto Reno Terme.
Not far from Randaragna is Biagioni, a historic village "climbed" on the mountain, where in the summer of 1944/11 people were killed by fascists and nazi SS. The town descends the mountain up to the river Reno and is also developed in the Tuscan part: the union of the two banks is thanks to a medieval stone bridge.
The Reno Valley is crossed by the Bologna-Pistoia railway line, also known as the Porrettana railway line, a 99 km long route that connects Bologna to Pistoia and Porretta Terme. It was the first connection between southern and northern Italy, and was inaugurated on November 2, 1864 by King Vittorio Emanuele II. At that time, with its 47 tunnels, 35 bridges and viaducts, it was an enormous engineering structure. The way between Pracchia and Pistoia was the most difficult part to build: in 26 km a difference in altitude of 550 meters was overcome. Infact the French engineer Jean Louis Protche, creator of the railway, in order not to use the rack to compensate for the difference in level, built the railway with two curves in the shape of a propeller. The railway route is recommended to reach Pistoia from Bologna without using the car, to enjoy the natural beauties that the Apennines reserve during the trip.
At 10 km from the guest house is the city of Porretta Terme, the capital of the municipality of Alto Reno Terme. A delightful city famous for its thermal waters, it offers numerous attractions to satisfy the tastes of every type of tourist.
The Baths were in fact appreciated since ancient times by Etruscans and Romans. There is also a direct source of evidence of the existence of hot springs at least from the Roman age: it is the famous mask representing the face of a lion, now a symbol of the Baths of Porretta.
The Lakes Park of Suviana and Brasimone extends in the central sector of Alto Appennino Bolognese, on the border with Tuscany. Place suitable for hiking and windsurfing.
The geographical position of Porretta makes it an ideal place for those wishing to visit the Tuscan cities of Pistoia, Florence, Lucca and Viareggio, or to see Bologna, Ferrara and enjoy their monuments.
The naturalistic offer of the area is able to satisfy the most demanding lovers of trekking, mountain biking, windsurfing and skiing. Among the most evocative places to remember there is Corno alle Scale (2000 meters), one of the highest peaks of the central Apennines: ideal in summer for hiking, for mountain biking and paragliding; in winter it is instead suitable for snow lovers, thanks to its 36 km of slopes.
In addition, at a distance of 8 km from the house, there is Ecomuseo della Montagna Pistoiese, settled in Gavinana, near Pistoia. The structure has been active since 1990: it is a set of 6 outdoor itineraries, museums, educational centers and historical artefacts that allow visitors to get to know Montagna Pistoiese on Tuscan northern Apennines, through the signs that the relationship between man and environment has left during centuries of history.
Tortelloni, mortadella, tortellini, lasagne, crescente of grapes, castagnaccio, tigelle and certosino are just some of the products that have made Bologna and its province famous all over the world. DOC wines of Colli Bolognesi are also excellent. All these specialties can be tasted in the many trattorias and restaurants in the area.
HOW TO REACH US
CAR
From Bologna: A1 motorway exit at Sasso Marconi, continue on SS64 up to Ponte della Venturina, then continue for 8 Km for Sp 632 cross of Pracchia.
From Florence: A11 motorway exit at Pistoia, continue on the junction, then continue for Statale dell'Abetone to Ponte Petri, then continue for 9km on Sp632.
TRAIN
From Bologna: train to Porretta Terme, then change towards Pistoia and get off at Biagioni-Lagacci station.
From Pistoia: train to Porretta Terme get off at Biagioni-Lagacci station.
Nearest airport: Bologna Guglielmo Marconi, distance 60Km
Nearest motorway: A11 Firenze-Mare
Nearest train station: Biagioni-Lagacci 0.5Km distance
Nearest town: Porretta Terme, distance 10Km
Most important cities: Pistoia (distance 30Km), Florence (distance 60Km), Bologna (distance 60Km),
Lucca (distance 50Km).
ACCOMMODATION DESCRIPTION
Type of house: entire holiday home for exclusive use
Address: Sp 632 Località Randaragna n.3, Granaglione - Province of Bologna - Emilia-Romagna Region
Latitude: 44.09 Longitude: 10.95
Total rooms of the house: number 7 (n.1 kitchen - n.3 bedrooms - n.2 bathrooms - n.1 dining room).
Pets welcome - Smoking house - fisherman's house
Nearest sea: Mar Tirreno, distance 100Km
Nearest lake: Lake di Suviana 10Km (Municipality of Castel di Casio)
Nearest ski station: Corno alle Scale 30 Km
Nearest restaurant: Le Loggette 0.5 Km
Nearest train station: Biagioni-Lagacci distance 0.5 Km
Closest city: Porretta Terme distance 10 Km
Important cities: Pistoia distance 30Km - Lucca distance 50Km - Florence distance 60Km - Bologna distance 70Km
ROOM DESCRIPTION
Living room
Living room size 16m2
Living room: table with 6 seats -TV - number 2 armchairs - showcase
Room: Canto del Gallo
Dimensions: 16m2
Double beds no.1
Dimensions of double beds 165x185 cm
Equipment: wardrobe - safe
Room: Scroll of water
Dimensions: 16m2
Double beds no.1
Dimensions of double beds 165x185 cm
Equipment: wardrobe
Room: On the bridge
Dimensions: 10m2
Total single beds n.2
Dimensions of single beds 90x185 cm
Equipment: wardrobe
All rooms can be darkened by external shutters
Kitchen
Type of kitchen: modular
Kitchen size: 15m2
Dining tables: number 1 - seating number 4
Kitchen equipment: microwave oven - fridge with freezer compartment - kitchenette (4 ring gas hobs) - set of dishes for 6 people - set of cups for 6 people - set of pots - electric oven - toaster - kettle - coffee maker - coffee machine - meat plate - varied equipment for the kitchen.
Bathroom ground floor
Dimensions: 3m2
Equipment: shower - services - sink
First floor bathroom
Dimensions: 9m2
Equipment: bathtub with shower - bidet - bathroom - sink - hairdryer - electric stove
Other information: Heating in all rooms clock radio - video surveillance - wood-burning barbecue Garden (size 20m2).
EQUIPMENT OF THE HOUSE
Included in the price: linen sheets and breakfast
Cleaning fee: € 12 per person
Heating costs on consumption payable locally (currently a lot of pellets costs € 7).
The cost of cleaning can be € 0 if the guest cleans the house and brings their own sheets and towels
We speak the following languages: English and Italian
Check-in time: from 14.30 to 18.00
Check-out time: from 9.00 to 11.00
Contact the contact person 5 days before arrival: Antonio Gaggioli +393356101148
Have a nice stay!
