Under the stars at Prati di Mugnano - Star Walks

The experience begins in the late afternoon at the picturesque Prati di Mugnano, a large green space that serves as the ideal meeting point and starting point. From here, the route is of moderate to easy difficulty, featuring a modest elevation gain and a single, slightly exposed section – which is nonetheless manageable and suitable even for those with only a little walking experience. The route may include simpler alternatives, designed to further reduce exposure and elevation gain according to the group’s needs.

The activity is also recommended for families with children aged 8 and over, provided they are used to walking. It is also permitted, upon request, to bring your dog, provided it does not disturb other participants and remains under the owner’s full responsibility.

At the end of the trek, on a meadow situated a short distance from the car park, there will be a dinner break between 8.30 pm and 9.30 pm. The natural setting, immersed in the silence of the evening and with sunset expected around 9.00 pm on 9 June, will provide the backdrop for a moment of conviviality and relaxation.

As the light fades, the experience transforms: the trek gives way to science and wonder. Experts from the Associazione Astrofili Bolognesi (AAB) will lead an exclusive stargazing session, providing professional equipment and specialist knowledge to explore planets, constellations and deep-sky objects.

A unique opportunity to experience nature in all its glory, combining walking, socialising and the discovery of the universe.
 

The route crosses the Pliocene Spur, an area of great natural beauty characterised by a striking rocky amphitheatre that once formed the seabed of an ancient gulf. Here, you can see the sandstone up close – the typical sandy rock with golden hues that defines the landscape of this area.

These ridges also bear important traces of human history: the route follows sections of the Via degli Dei before encountering the remains of the Gothic Line. In the surrounding woods, trenches and shelters carved into the rock during the Second World War are still visible, offering an opportunity for reflection on historical memory whilst immersed in a natural setting of great charm.
 

Full price: € 18

Reduced price (Card Cultura): € 15

Reduced price (8–12 years): € 9
0–5 years: free

A 50% discount is available for holders of a disability card and one accompanying person.

Bookings for tickets reserved for people with disabilities must be made by emailing extrabo@bolognawelcome.it or by visiting the eXtraBO info point in Piazza del Nettuno.

Technical Details

Elevation gain: 280 m +/-

Distance: 6 km

Difficulty: E (Hiking)

Services included:

• Trekking with a qualified hiking guide
• Star guidance and sky observation led by amateur astronomers using equipment

Meeting point:

Prati di Mugnano car park

Before booking, please bear in mind that:

• The car park is spacious and easily accessible; however, for a better organisation, we recommend carpooling among participants.
• What to bring: hiking boots with treaded soles or sturdy walking shoes, rucksack, long hiking trousers, sweatshirt and jacket (temperatures drop significantly at night compared to daytime, even in summer), water (at least 1.5 litres), packed dinner (sandwich, energy bars, fruit) and a torch, preferably a head torch, with spare batteries (preferably with a red light).
• Recommended: binoculars, a blanket or sheet to spread on the grass, walking poles. The chosen route and the programme provided may be subject to changes or variations even the day before and/or during the excursion itself, depending on weather forecasts and conditions, as well as the state of the terrain and the trail; for further details, please contact the guide.
• A good measure of adaptability, flexibility and patience is therefore required

Refund and changes:

Cancellations with a refund or changes to the booking are possible up to 48 hours before the start of the activity.

The sale of tourist services is managed by Bologna Welcome Travel Agency