Walking and Cycling itineraries in Albinea
Touristic promotion project created and sponosored by Albinea Municipality, in cooperation with Viano and Vezzano sul Crostolo Municipalities, and subsidised by contributes of Emilia Touristic Destination.
Download the map in PDFThe paper map is available in selected shops and businesses, local associations, municipalities and Tourist Offices.
INTRODUction
Albinea is a hilly town particularly known for the landscapes, scenic views, peculiarities, and cultural and artistic landmarks. There are records of human presence already into prehistorical times, as the Tana della Mussina shows (being a tomb of more than 3000 years ago). In medieval times, castles and parishes bloom, as these places are elevated from the Plain and in a strategic position. With the Estense Family, Albinea's territory enriches itself with many typical "case-torre" (mansions with a tower) and villas, such as Villa Sidoli-Rossi, Villa Arnò, and Villa Tarabini, where here there is the Communal Vinegar Cellar. Albinea is enjoyed all-year round, with a rich cultural life, many routes and itineraries and a nice climate particularly enjoyed by the nearby citizens, who come here during summer to enjoy fresher temperatures.
landmarks
- (L9) Albinea Parish dedicated to the Nativity of the Virgin Mary
The parish has remote origins, as it was mentioned in a 980 C.E. document. It was dedicated to San Prospero before changing the devotion to the Virgin Mary in 1517, after the placement of a painting of Correggio called "Our Lady of Albinea". - (H11) Borzano Castle - Castle of Mathilda of Tuscany
This castle was built in medieval times on a chalk ridge. This complex was composed by a keep, residences, chapeks and several towers (demolished or merged into other constructions), all rounded by impressive protective walls. At the base of the complex there was an ancient rupestral village, now home to archeological studies. Then castle was property of Manfredi family, vassals of Canossa Family, and through the centuries was target of many attacks and transformations. As the history reports, these places were already inhabited in the 8th century B.C., as tombs were found under the church and in the Tana della Mussina cave. - (L9) Castello di Albinea - private mansion
- (I11-I12) Borzano Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary
- (I10) Montericco Castle - 14th century castle
- (L10) San Gaetano da Thiene Confessore Church
- (L10) Original fragment of Berlin Wall / Borzano Castle Church dedicated to St. John the Baptist
- (I10) S. Maria dell’Oliveto - known as Chiesa vecchia di Montericco (Old Church of Montericco), estimated to be built before 10th century C.E. (year 900)
- (L10) Holy Virgin of Lourdes Sanctuary - first parish in Italy to be dedicated to the Virgin of Lourdes
- (I9) Broletto - casa torre from 16th century
A scenic group of houses built from rocks are gathered around a "casa-torre" of medieval origins, towering on the hill crest, not far away from the Parish and the Castle. This was the ancient Albinea. The silence and the nature around make the perfect setting for a terrific view. Nearby there is Monteiatico, remembered by Ariosto in a novel. - (H11) La Rotonda - casa torre
- (I9) Ca’ Varini - casa torre
- (L11) Pissarotto - casa torre
- (I13) Cittadella - casa torre
- (I9) Poiano - rural village
- (M9) Monumento Mai Più - white marble stele
- (M9) Villa Sidoli Rossi - private historical mansion
Among the secular country houses, Villa Sidoli Rossi is one of the most beautiful. It was built around the 17th century, with a scenic garden in Romantic style. Here used to live Giuditta Sidoli, Italian patriot and partner of Giuseppe Mazzini, while in March 1945, the English paratroopers, together with Partigiani, raided the villa in a vicious attack against a German commando that occupied the building. In order not to damage the local population, the attack was perpetrated at the sound of a Scottish bagpipe, so that people knew that the English were freeing Albinea. Today the villa is a precious building, and it is possible to visit the Vinegar Cellar and taste typical products in selected periods of the year. - (L10) Villa Tarabini - historical mansion and Municipal Vinegar Cellar
- (M10) Villa Arnò - historical private mansion in neoclassical style
- (L10) Villa Tacoli - noble private villa from 18th century
- (L9) Villa Crocioni - private historical mansion with a romantic and dreamy aura
- (M9) Villa Moratti - private neoclassical villa
- (M9) Villa Calvi - private historical mansion
- (N10) Villa Maramotti - historical mansion in Liberty style
- (M10) Villa Bonacini - elegant 19th century villa
- (L10) Cippo ai Caduti monument to the Unknown Soldier
itineraries
Ca' del Vento Ringroad
Starting point: Borzano di Albinea
Walking, trail running, cycling
Est. duration: around 3 hours of walking
This trail follows paths around Albinea, crossing the "Borzano Castle chalk formation area" and the European Site IT 4030017. The total length is around 13kms and it is particularly appreciated for the diverse point of interest that are located around the itinerary.
Albinea, Broletto, Albinea
Starting point: Albinea, Piazza Cavicchioni Walking, cycling Est. duration: around 3 hours of walking
Ringroad, except the first and last segment on the cyclable path. The trail follows secundary paved roads. This itinerary starts from the Albinea main square, continuing towards Botteghe hamlet, until the Industrial compound. In this area we can see the "Albinea Canal", built around 1188 C.E. by Reggio Emilia Bishop. This canal takes waters from the Crostolo River, and for 10 km distributed water to the fields and activated mill wheels. Climbing on Via Conte Re we reach Broletto, ancient rural village built around a "casa-torre". from here we descend near the Albinea Parish and we return to Botteghe. Taking Via Roma we merge on Via Cà dei Mori and immediately turning left on Via Crocioni, we come back to the starting point.
Albinea, Montericco, Bellarosa, Albinea
Starting point: Albinea, via Caduti della Libertà Walking, cycling Est. duration: around 3 hours of walking
Ringroad mainly on paved and gravel roads. the starting point is in Piazzale Lavezza, where major events take place. This area has a big parking spot with a public park. Climbing on Via Castellana we arrive at the Virgin Mary of Lourdes Sanctuary, then flanking Montericco Castle and then arriving in Via Oliveto. From here is a downhill way, where along the road we can find Madonna dell'Oliveto Church. At the end of the road we continue on Via Spallanzani, with a gravel track, and then taking the left turn on Via Vallisneri, we continue on this road until Via Nobili, until the crossroad with Via Roncosano. From here is a straight road until the cycling path. At the crossing point we turn on Via Verdi, then turning left on Via Caduti della Libertà, we then arrive a the starting point.
Experiences
• Visit the marvelous ceramics collection from the Borzano Castle and discover the secrets of the archeological findings. These relics narrate how was life among the centuries here, from everyday objects to important historical findings. Info and reservations for guided tours: Gruppo Archeologico Albinetano “Paolo Magnani” mail: archeo.albinea@libero.it
• Explore the hill itineraries, among beautiful landscapes, nature and history. The Associazione Amici del CEA di Albinea plans and creates guided tours and thematic visits (www.facebook.com/amicidelceadialbinea).Info: amicidelceadialbinea@libero.it
• Visit Tana della Mussina, the cave where millennia ago, Neolithic populations used to bury their loved ones. This cave is located under the Borzano Castle. You can discover these places with the Gruppo Speleologico Paleontologico "G. Chierici". Info: enrica_mattioli@yahoo.it
• Discover Villa Arnò and its park, a 19th century English Garden with century-old trees, contemporary gardens, rare plants and blooming in all seasons. More information contacting: ainorto@gmail.com
Did you enter our office?
