Are you passionate about trekking? Here’s an unmissable itinerary through the Reggiano hills, along ancient trails crossing the areas of Casina and Canossa, places that hold one of the most fascinating chapters of Italian and European Middle Ages, that of Countess Matilda of Canossa. The route, about 6 kilometers long and walkable in roughly three hours, forms a loop in the valley of the Torrente Campola, in the heart of the Central Emilia Parks. The trail is well marked, with several educational points highlighted by informative panels.
The itinerary starts from Bergogno, a small medieval village just over 25 kilometers from our farmhouse. A hamlet of the municipality of Casina, it stands on a panoramic hill along the ancient route to Canossa and is one of the best-preserved villages in the Reggio area. The settlement features courtyards and tower-houses, closely built together.
From the village center, the path descends along a dirt road leading to the Torrente Campola. Once at the stream, on the left is a small fountain fed by sulfurous water. After crossing the watercourse, on the left lies the Rio Pantoma, which accompanies the path for a short stretch. The route continues along a dirt track ascending the northern slope of Monte Tesa, passing through chestnut and beech forests. Upon reaching the paved road connecting Casina to Rossena Castle, turn right for about 200 meters until passing the junction to Cerredolo. Shortly after, a dirt road on the right climbs to another fork. Following this, you reach the summit of Monte Tesa, from which you can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the Matildic territory.
After admiring the view, the trail descends into a forest until reaching the village of Cavandola, a small cluster of houses on the eastern slopes of Monte Tesa. After passing some restored historic buildings, you reach the intersection with the paved road connecting Canossa to Votigno. Turn right and continue along the road until the junction to Votigno.
Overlooking the small valley of Rio Cerezzola, Votigno di Canossa is a picturesque medieval village made up of characteristic stone houses that, after a long period of abandonment, were restored in the early 1990s. However, visitors come not only for the spectacular architectural restoration. The stone buildings also host the House of Tibet, a Buddhist cultural center with a museum, meditation halls, and spaces for spiritual and cultural exchange. And so, even if the enchanting landscapes of the area do not exactly resemble the plateaus near the Himalayas, the abundance of statues, Eastern symbols, and the scent of incense opens a space-time window to remote Asian lands.
The village lies a short distance from the ruins of Canossa Castle, famous for the event in the harsh winter of 1077, when Emperor Henry IV, dressed as a pilgrim, waited for three days and nights before being received and pardoned by Pope Gregory VII, with the intercession of Matilda of Canossa. From the village, the trail continues down to the valley floor. A small bridge crosses the Rio Campola, and a dirt road climbs to the locality of Castello, where nearby there is a scenic viewpoint with sandstone outcrops. From here, a short uphill stretch leads back to the village of Bergogno.
If you feel a little hungry after the walk, in Bergogno and nearby there are several eateries where you can enjoy local dishes made with zero-kilometer products.
Photo gallery (1) © Reggio Emilia Eventi | (2) © Fabiour – Wikipedia
AGRITURISMO IL BRUGNOLO
Welcome to il Brugnolo
If you’re looking for completely independent apartments surrounded by greenery you really are in the right place here!
In fact, Brugnolo is immersed in the green nature of the Emilian countryside. For your relaxation, for that of your children, and again for the runs of your 4-legged friends, you will have 6000 square meters of park at your disposal!
