Bruscoli is a small gemstone nestled between the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines: this small village of only 230 inhabitants, in fact, is located exactly halfway between Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany regions.

Founded during the Etruscan period, Bruscoli was often the subject of different dominions due to its border position. In fact, just like the entire Tuscan-Emilian territory, the history of Bruscoli has a very ancient tradition, that it was cited by Dante Alighieri in “The Divine Comedy” (Canto XXXII of Inferno). 
Bruscoli played an important role in the final acts of the Second World War because it is located right next to the famous Gothic Line: the defensive line created by the German army to slow down the Allied offensive, but against which partisans carried out numerous damaging actions which made the liberation of Italy much simpler.

You could decide to spend a weekend in Bruscoli or discover it joining one of our tours:

⇒Trekking on the Way of Gods: from Bologna to Firenze

What to see in Bruscoli

We have prepared a list of things not to be missed in Bruscoli to enjoy the beauty of this fascinating village in peace. Why not decide to spend a day discovering the beauties of Bruscoli?

  • Etnographic Museum of the Linea Gotica
  • German Military Cemetery

And now let's set off together to discover the most incredible places in Bruscoli!

Ethnographic Museum of the Gothic Line

The ethnographic museum of Bruscoli is located in the former elementary school of the village and is mainly divided into three macrogroups of topics. In the first one you can find Geo-archaeological and Paleontological finds from the surrounding area, in the second one you can admire the ethnographic section which showcases the uses, customs and traditions of this small mountain area and, lastly, the third macrogroup exhibits the war relics belonging to the Gothic Line.

German Military Cemetery

As already mentioned, the village of Bruscoli had a strong impact during the Second World War, and for this very reason, the German Military Cemetery stands a few kilometres from the area. The cemetery is located at 950m above sea level, on the top of a peak in the Tuscan-Romagnolo Apennines. Inside it is possible to find the graves of German soldiers who fell during the war, surrounded by an imposing triangular wall. Despite the dark structure, the view and the visit will be astounding!

What to see in Bruscoli - the Slow Active Tours proposal

The small village is known above all for its naturalistic and landscape beauties, which is why you absolutely cannot miss wonderful mountain paths that offer breathtaking views.

Via degli Dei

Along the Via degli Dei Bruscoli represents the third stage of one of the most beautiful paths in all of Italy, which unites Bologna and Florence through the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines. If you are a trekking enthusiast, make sure you do not miss it!

Via Flaminia Militare

Just a few minutes' walk from the Via degli Dei it is possible to admire the remains of an ancient Roman road. This, identified as the Via Flaminia Militare, is entirely built in stone and is still perfectly feasible. Its peculiarity is that it has remained almost perfectly preserved, despite the fact that the road remained hidden under metres of earth and leaves until 1979, when it was discovered by archaeologists Franco Santi and Cesare Agostini.

Biscione waterfall

The route of the Biscione waterfall is circular, which means that it starts from Bruscoli and returns exactly to the starting point. During this panoramic trekking excursion you will be able to admire the "chapel of San Martino", the "rocca di Bruscoli" and the "Cascata del Biscione", as well as enjoying a unique view.

Popular festivals and celebrations of Bruscoli

During the winter period you absolutely cannot miss the feast of Sant'Antonio Abate, protector of animals which is celebrated on January 17th. During this event which is deeply felt by the population, the entire community gathers in the church of San Martino where bread is distributed to all those present as a sign of good luck. After the Mass, all the citizens flock to the village square to participate in the Sant'Antonio lottery in which the prizes up for grabs are hams, cheeses and typical local foods.

Typical dishes of Bruscoli

The cuisine of Bruscoli is mainly based on traditional Apennine cuisine, and therefore mainly uses mushrooms and wild game meat. However, the true typical product are glazed biscuits called “zuccherini di Bruscoli”. These are some round sweets covered in white, non-uniform icing with a strong spicy flavour. Did you know that their recipe has been passed down orally for more than 150 years? This is exactly what makes them so special!
A tasty and healthy product that you absolutely must try, you won't regret it!

Eating and Drinking in Bruscoli

Among the many restaurants in the center of Bruscoli, we recommend some that are worth visiting:

L'Appennino restaurant in Bruscoli Street, 911. Welcoming and familiar place that offers excellent traditional Tuscan and Apennine delicacies. Its excellent and juicy meat is particularly recommended.
Pako restaurant-pizzeria in Bruscoli Street, 761. Restaurant easily reachable by car, it exploits the excellent potential of local products to amaze its guests. All accompanied by a wine cellar of excellent quality wines.
Agriturismo il Passeggere in Bruscoli Passeggere Street, 1439. The warm hospitality and the quality of the place attract numerous customers, both local and foreign, who travel along Via degli Dei every day. The dishes offered are those of the mountain tradition. Game dishes are particularly appreciated.

So what are you waiting for? Get your things together and off you go!