The Reggio Emilia Apennines offer countless opportunities for those who love nature and outdoor activities. But not only that. In this area, rich in history and culture, there are also some quaint villages just waiting to be discovered. What are they? Let’s find out about them together!
CASINA
Located about 30 kilometers from our farmhouse, Casina is a delightful hamlet, surrounded by a mosaic of small hamlets, where history and environment are married in the name of beauty and eco-sustainability. Casina is home to the Ars Canusina Consortium, which brings together a number of artisan businesses that offer motifs of the art and architecture of the Canossa household in their products. The town’s most important monumental asset is Sarzano Castle, one of the best-preserved medieval fortresses in the Reggio Emilia Apennines. It is located on the top of a hill from which there is a beautiful view. Other sights include theOratorio del Carrobbio, the Pieve di Santa Maria Assunta, and the Pieve di Paullo.
CARPINETI
Just over 25 kilometers from our farmhouse, between the Secchia and Tresinaro valleys, is the small town of Carpineti, which was of particular importance at the time of Countess Matilda of Canossa. The settlement is overlooked by the remains of the Carpinete Castle, the favorite residence of the countess, who spent long periods there administering her territories from within its secure and inaccessible walls. Although today it is reduced to the state of ruins, it is equally very impressive. In addition to the castle, the following are also worth a visit: theMarola Abbey, founded between 1076 and 1092; the Pieve di San Vitale, inside which there is a small stone museum; and the House of Cortina, now home to a fine fossil museum.
CASTELNOVO NE’ MONTI
Also in the Reggio Emilia hills is the town of Castelnovo ne’ Monti, which is about 35 kilometers from our farmhouse. It boasts a small historic center, of medieval origin, which offers wonderful views such as those of the wash house or the Piazza delle Armi. Castelnovo is known for the Pietra di Bismantova, the imposing massif with vertical walls that stands isolated among the Apennine mountains. Because of the beauty of the landscape, the Stone is one of the most visited nature sites in the area. In contrast, spectacular outcrops of Triassic chalk can be seen south of Bismantova. Fra gli altri luoghi interessanti citiamo: l’antico Eremo di Bismantova, incastonato nella roccia; e il Castello di Felina, di cui rimane un torrione detto “il Salame”.
TOANO
Another village not to be missed is Toano, just over 40 kilometers away from our farmhouse. The area was inhabited since Roman times but its importance grew enormously in the Middle Ages thanks to the Canossa family. The village’s main attraction is the Pieve di Santa Maria Assunta, which, according to scholar Alcide Spaggiari, is“the perfect, complete and intact monument of Canusian art in the Apennines.” The date of the church’s construction cannot be precisely determined, but it appears to be one of the oldest in the Reggio Emilia diocese. Also worth a stop: the Balze di Malpasso, a fascinating geological site where sandstone rocks outcrop; and the Church of San Michele Arcangelo in the hamlet of Massa.
VETTO
On the right bank of the Enza River, about 45 kilometers from our farmhouse, lies the village of Vetto. The first historical record of its existence is from 1142, when the Da Palù family ruled here, but its origins date back to Roman times. There are several buildings of historical value in the village, including the Church of San Lorenzo, of Romanesque origin. Inside is a wooden sculpture of the Dead Christ by Carlo Arlotti and a 17th-century painting depicting St. Lawrence. Also noteworthy are: theOsteria del Turo, a massive 17th-century tower house; and the portal of “Casa Agostino,” the first residence of the municipal administration.
VILLA MINOZZO
In the upper Apennines of Reggio Emilia, just over 40 kilometers from our farmhouse, is Villa Minozzo, La Vìla da Mnòcc in the local dialect. The village is surrounded by fields planted with forage crops that enable the production of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese at the local dairy. In the ancient Rocca, home of the “Arrigo Benedetti” Multipurpose Cultural Center, you can visit the May Museum, dedicated to the “dramatic may,” a fascinating form of sung folk theater. There are also numerous monumental and architectural landmarks in the municipality, including the Amorotto Tower and the Ca’ di Gnano Bridge.
Photos Casina © Municipality of Casina | Toano © Municipality of Toano | Vetto © Municipality of Vetto | Villa Minozzo © Municipality of Villa Minozzo
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!
