A modern industrial and agricultural center, located not far from Bologna, Zola Predosa lies in an area divided between plains and hills, crossed the river Lavino. Early settlements are evidenced by several important archaeological finds from the Bronze Age. The culture of the subsequent Villanova, Etruscan and Roman dominations are documented with findings that can be admired today at the Archaeological Museum of Bologna, such as a tomb dowry of particular value of the Villanova period, beautiful vases and bronze figures of the Etruscan period, like the famous "Efebo" found in the farm of Fruga on the slopes of Monte Capra.
A main feature of the city are the typical pillars scattered throughout the city, which are symbols of the human need to mark the places with religious icons.
Sites of Interest:
- the Church of Saints Nicholas and Agatha, the largest church in the city, formed by the merger in the XV century of two previous separate churches, one dedicated to St. Nicholas and one to St. Agatha. Inside are preserved fine stucco decorations and sculptures by Giuseppe Callegari;
- the Church of Santa Maria of Gesso, which was built in the XII century inside the premises of the castle of Gesso, and rebuilt several times over the centuries. The current structure dates from the XVII century and preserves sculptures of Giacomo Quadri and paintings of Girolamo Bonesi:
- the Church of Christ the King, built in Gothic style in 1926 by the architect Giuseppe Gualandi;
- the Church of St. Louis, created in 1975 by architect Glauco Gresleri;
- the Palazzo Albergati, started in the second half of the XVII century by Girolamo Albergati Capacelli. The building is so large that it is a reference point for all the surrounding areas. The austere exterior contrasts with the unpredictable Baroque elegance of the interior. The vaulted ceilings were painted with mythological themes and represent an important moment of the local artists between the XVII and XVIII centuries, such as: Alboresi, Colonna, Burrini, Pesci, Valliani, Bigari and Orlandi. Visited by several major personalities of the European culture, its 700 large rooms have often been used by famous playwright and actors, such as Francesco Albergati, as a theater for music and prose;
- Villa Edvige Garagnani, dating to the late XVIII century, a splendid example of a bourgeois residence;
- Palazzo Bentivoglio-Pepoli (XVI century);
- Stella Palace (XVIII century);
- Villa of the Tombs, of medieval origins;
- Villa Guidotti Magnani (XVII century);
- Villa Zanchini Garagnani (XVII century);
- Villa Four Towers (XVII century);
- Villa Balzani (XIX century);
- Villa Maccaferri (early XX century)
- Villa Bertoloni Marcovigi (XIX century);
- Villa Ricci Signorini (XVII century);
- Villa Socini Gates-Smith (XVI century);
- the new City Hall, completed in 1991 and designed by Ivo Tagliaventi.