Bus 1 and Bus 1+. Transport service
840 000 216 - Contact Center Seta (Monday-Saturday from 07:00 a.m. to 07:00 p.m.; Sunday from 09:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m., closed on weekday holidays) 840 151 152 - Railway Call Center
Tickets can also be purchased in the tobacconist shops (tabaccheria)
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Here are the maps of the 32 Municipalities of the local editorial staff of Reggio Emilia:
Reggio nell'Emilia
Albinea
Bagnolo in Piano
Bibbiano
Boretto
Brescello
Cadelbosco Sopra
Campagnola Emilia
Campegine
Casalgrande
Castellarano
Castelnovo Sotto
Cavriago
Correggio
Fabbrico
Gattatico
Gualtieri
Guastalla
Luzzara
Montecchio Emilia
Novellara
Poviglio
Quattro Castella
Reggiolo
Rio Saliceto
Rolo
Rubiera
San Martino in Rio
San Polo d'Enza
Sant'Ilario d'Enza
Scandiano
Vezzano sul Crostolo
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Altitude: 166 amsl
Inhabitants: 8.890 (updated to March 31, 2024)
Post code: 42020
Weekly market day: Monday
Patron Saint: San Gaetano (August 7)
Hamlets: Borzano, Montericco
0039 0522 590211 - Town Hall
Town Hall of Albinea
Albinea
By car
From Reggio Emilia A1 Motorway: take the national road SS63 to Castelnovo né Monti. Past about 10 km, turn left to Scandiano-Albinea.
Refined Albinea is situated in the Mathildic Lands, at the feet of the Reggio Emilia Apennines.
It is made up of 3 communities: Borzano, Montericco and Albinea-Fola.
Albinea’s territory stands out for its natural beauty, as well as for its historical and artistic buildings.
Interesting examples of rural architecture include the XVI-century tower-house of Broletto and the tower-house of Rotonda di Borzano which, thanks to its position and architectural features, can be considered as one of the finest examples in the entire foothill area in the Reggio Emilia province.
Albinea is lively and dynamic throughout the year, but the natural beauty of the surrounding woods is particularly attractive during spring and summer when many people, also from nearby Reggio Emilia, go there to seek some relief from the heat.
In addition to the Albinea Castles and the Montericco Castle (to be seen only from the outside, as they are private dwellings in an excellent state of conservation), are the Benedictine Parish Churches dating back to the XI century and the many villas built in past centuries by the most important families from Reggio Emilia, including the neoclassic Villa Moratti and the superb Villa Tarabini Viganò which hosts, in the attic, the municipal vinegar cellar; Villa Calvi, from the XIII century, Villa Arnò, from the XIX century, and the summer venue of an important jazz festival; Villa Sidoli-Rossi, famous for an episode from World War II: the attack of English and Russian parachutists, flanked by partisans, on the headquarters of the German 5th Command.
The building belonged to Giuditta Sidoli, the Risorgimento heroine from Reggio Emilia, and it is said that Giuseppe Mazzini frequented her house at the time of “La Giovine Italia” (Young Italy).
Lambrusco Festival - Third weekend of June
Tastings, gastronomic stands, restaurant, exhibitions and performances.
Albinea Jazz - July.
Jazz festival, with the participation of excellent jazz musicians and international jazz groups.
Fola Festival - First weekend of September
Music, shows, exhibitions, guided tours.
Autumn Festival - Ciccioli Balsamici (Balsamic Pork Cracklings) - Fourth weekend of October
Flavours, meetings, tastings and traditions.
Worth mentioning among the numerous surrounding paths, is that of the village of Borzano, accessed at the Tana della Mussina, a natural cavity and important Aeneolithic location in Emilia.
Albinea
By car
From Reggio Emilia A1 toolgate: take the national road SS63 in the direction of Castelnovo Monti. Past about 10 km, turn left towards Scandiano - Albinea
The first religious building on this spot was constructed in the year 1000 by Benedictine monks, devoted to San Prospero.
Although the parish church does not appear among those listed by Emperor Otto II, it can probably be placed historically within the Lombard-Frank period.
In the 16th century, the building was reduced to the status of an oratory and fell into disrepair.
The jurisdiction of the Church of San Martino di Bazzano (Montericco) as a parish church probably came to an end in 1570, since which time it gradually fell to ruin. In 1665, it was reduced to lay use.
During the first years of 1800 the priest Grossi desired to built a new Church because of the increasing number of worshippers and the small size of the Oliveto Church, but only in 1868, his successor Don Domenico Castellini with the help of Count Gaetano Castellini Tarabini, realized Grossi's desire. Tarabini encharged the engeneer Carlo Barbieri to built a Sanctuary dedicated to the Holy Virgin of Lourdes on the spot of the old and ruined S. Martino's Oratory.
The new Church was consecrated on April, 23rd 1899 and it was the first in Italy to be dedicated to the Madonna of Lourdes. The bell tower was added in 1910, together with the new rectory.
The façade of the Church, in Lombard-Gothic style, follows the lines of the sloping roof and faces north-east. It is intersected by pilaster strips and culminates in a sequence of blank arches.
Three cuspidal acroterions surmount each pinnacle. The complex is positioned in a particularly attractive environmental setting.
Via Garibaldi, 15 - 42020 Albinea (RE)
Phone 0039 0522.590211 - Concact centre of the Municipality of Albinea
Municipality of Albinea
sportellounico@comune.albinea.re.it
mastro.acetaio@tin.it
The palace si visitable upon previous arrangement only, with the contacts above indicated. The visit to the Vinegar cellar is possible filling the sheet dedicated and forwarding it to the e-mail address indicated, at least 7 days before the date of the visit.
See the indications to reach Albinea and the map above.
The palace is placed in an area, between high plain and the first hills, full of prestigious architectural examples as many villas that expres the predilection for these territories during the centuries of the nobility and the borghesy that wanted to have their holiday house here.
The complex is of clear historical and artistic interess and it's composed by the main palace, the surrounding park and some service buildings, an oratory and a tower house.
Placed on the top of a low hill, the main building was probably built between XV and XVI Century.
This position is of historical importance in the Matilda of Canossa area. Inside its walls there is a small church dedicated to St. John.
Close to the castle can be found the Tana della Mussina, a natural hollow in which interesting archaeological remains have been found.
In July 2008 it was put on an archaeological exibition in the local Centre for Enviromental Education, in Borzano, at via Guido Chierici 2. It is a permanent exposure of some material found during excavations, with explanatory panels that illustrate human traces in this territory from Prehistory to the Renaissance. Visits can be carried out after agreement with local Municipality/Library calling 0039 522 590 232.
At the same address is the head office of the Archaeological Association of Albinea (Gruppo Archeologico Albinetano-GAA), that took care of many excavations in the last ten years, and is still carring out different projects for the study of lAbinea's history.
42020 Albinea
The castle belonged to the Fogliani family and then to the Manfredi family who, having extended their feudal powers from the River Crostolo to the River Tresinaro, dominated the Albinea area for three hundred years.
The castle is visible only from the outside as it's private property
The castle is about 15 km far from Reggio Emilia. Once reached the hamlet Botteghe, go up to the ancient Church, as the castle is just near it.
The walls and the residential areas were rebuilt by Guglielml Fogliani, bishop of Reggio Emilia, who used it as a private residence. The renovations are recorded in an epigraph of 1277: "Anno Domini MCCLXXVII Ind. V Hog Opus Fuit Factum Tempore Venerabilis Patris D Guglielmi de Fogliani Episcopi Regis Scilicet Palatium Cum Dujano Et Puteum Et Turris Et Dominus Extra Duionum Et Murua Dicti Castri De Albineta"
In the course of the bloody conflicts which characterized the 14th century, the fort passed into the hands of the Comune of Reggio Emilia for a brief period from 1324 to 1335. It was then ceded by Bernabo' Visconti to Francesco Manfredi who had expressed his desire to possess it. Won back by the Fogliani family after a bloody battle, it remained in their hands until 1368, year in which the emperor Carlo V invested the prestigious Manfredi family with the castle and its lands.
After violent internal family conflicts and subsequent division of family property, the castle was given to Giovanni Manfredi who became first in the line of the
Counts of Albinea. Further division of the family property took place in 1472 when the two brothers of Ludovico Manfredi who died without heirs divided the territories of Albinea and Montericco. When the minor line of the Montericco family died out in 1647 and that of Borzano in 1695, the Manfredi family of Albinea inherited the titles and possessions of both, thus bringing together once again the ancient dominions which were then maintained until the death of their last descendant in 1732. Five years later the Duke of Modena, Francesco III d'Este, invested one of his officials, Alessandro Frosini with the castle and the County.
The Frosini family, the last feudal lords, after losing dominion of the castle in 1796 following on the repression of the feudal system by the Cisalpine Republic, were given regency of Albinea in 1811 by order of the Napoleonic decree.
In line with the prevailing artistic tastes in the noble families of the time, the Frosini family transformed the well-appointed buildings into a single, aristocratic dwelling, adding to its beauty with a vast pine forest which surrounds the massive external walls.
The reconstruction of the entrance keep, crenellated in the ghibelline style and with working drawbridge, is attributed to the Marchioness Frosini in the years 1811 to 1814. After the dispersal of the powerful feudal families, several private owners bought Albinea castle in succession in the 19th and 20th centuries.
In 1931 the Spanish consul to the Quirinal, Carasco Manuel y Reis de Granada became the castle owner and built a pool in the courtyard in polychrome tiles of Moorish style bearing the coat of arms of the Dukes of Este.
The castle is owned by the Maramotti family at the present time and cannot be visited inside. The main building is built on a horseshoe with a portico on the lower side. On the west side, adjacent to the castle walls, is a tower with window slits, machicolations and roofed crenellations. At the southernmost points of the walls are two cylindrical towers, one belonging to the Fogliani family and one to the Manfredi family - all that remains of the defences built in 1558 by the governor of Albinea. Annexed to the castle is an oratory dedicated to San Liugi (St. Louis).
1) Museum of Significant Stories and Plaque Dedicated to Liberation Piazza Cavicchioni
The smallest museum in the world is located in Albinea's main square, opposite the Town Hall, and is managed by Pro Loco Albinea and Anpi Albinea. It houses artefacts dating back to the unification of Italy.
On one side wall of the building is a plaque commemorating the arrival of the partisans and the Allies, including the Brazilian contingent, in Piazza Cavicchioni in Albinea on 24 April.
2) ‘Floor Vector of Memory’ by Liberation Route Europe Piazza Cavicchioni
On a side wall of the “Museum” of Stories that weigh heavily is the Floor Vector, a steel disc that is part of a European memorial sign, designed by architect Daniel Libeskind for the Liberation Route Europe Foundation to mark places linked to the Gothic Line and the progressive advance of the Allies.
3) Villa Rossi and the plaque in memory of the British paratroopers and Villa Calvi Via Chiesa, Botteghe
These are the sites of the most important events in Albinea during the Second World War: the killing of five rebellious German soldiers in August 1944 and the assault by the British SAS and partisans on the command of the 51st German Alpine Corps.
4) Partisan trail of Operation Tombola Vendina-Botteghe route.
A walk retracing the paths that, on the night between 26 and 27 March 1945, led 110 men to attack the German command posts at Villa Rossi and Villa Calvi.
'Operation Tombola' was the name of the operation that destroyed the German command centre in Botteghe, cutting off contact between Berlin and the Gothic Line.
5) Tulip Trail and Memorial to Richard Cooley Via Poiano
A cycle and footpath that winds along Via Poiano.
An American aircraft crashed nearby during the Second World War: a P-38 on 12 May 1944.
The 24-year-old American pilot Richard Arthur Cooley lost his life in the crash.
After the war, Richard's mother visited the place where her son had crashed and, so as not to forget him, planted tulips in the area of the crash.
This gesture of pity and emotion, based on an idea by Reggio Emilia researcher and journalist Matteo Incerti, who tragically passed away before he could see his project come to fruition, led to the creation of the “Cammino dei tulipani” (Tulip Trail) on 30 November 2022, which was dedicated to his memory.
6) Berlin Wall Via Caduti per la Libertà (opposite Renzo Pezzani Primary School)
Since 1999, a section of the Berlin Wall has stood in front of Albinea Primary School. It was donated to the Albinea local council by the twin municipality of Treptow-Köpenick in Berlin as a sign of friendship and as a warning against war and in favour of peace between peoples.
7) Memorial stone in memory of Mario Simonazzi “Azor” Via Caduti per la Libertà (in front of the Renzo Pezzani primary school)
The monument, dedicated to the memory of the partisan Mario Simonazzi, whose nom de guerre was “Azor” and who was deputy commander of the 76th SAP Brigade from February 1945, was previously located in Montericco, near the primary school.
It was later moved to Fola, opposite the Renzo Pezzani school.
It is a small column in chalky stone with a relief inscription and a photo-ceramic image of the fallen soldier.
8) “Mai più” (Never Again) monument Piazza Caduti Alleati, Botteghe
This is a stone work by Adriano Corradini.
It commemorates the five German soldiers Hans Schmidt, Erwin Bucher, Erwin Schlunder, Karl Heinz Schreyer and Martin Koch, who were shot by their fellow soldiers on the night of 26 August 1944 at Villa Rossi e Calvi for deciding to rebel against Nazi-Fascism.
An oval bronze bas-relief depicting the head of a German soldier, the gate of Villa Rossi and an armed partisan was later added to the monument.
9) Monument to the Fallen of All Wars Piazza Cavicchioni
Made of concrete and hexagonal in shape, the monument has a grey marble plaque with an inscription in relief on the central side, while on the sides, which are plastered and orange in colour, there are four bronze bas-reliefs depicting allegorical figures of women, children and animals, together with other symbols referring to brotherhood and peace among peoples.
10) Base of the First World War Memorial Parco dei Frassini 'M. Hack'
This is a granite base engraved with the words “Albinea ai suoi caduti 1915-1918” (Albinea to its fallen 1915-1918), on top of which stood a fine bronze statue depicting an infantryman (unknown soldier) by the sculptor E. Prampolini.
The statue was requisitioned in 1941 and melted down for its bronze.
It is currently located in the garden south of the “P. Neruda” Library.
11) Monument to the Constitution Parco dei Frassini “M. Hack”
In Parco dei Frassini there is a monument dedicated to the Italian Constitution, created by sculptors Bertani and Romani based on a design by Jehona Vatovci (2009) and drawings by pupils at Albinea middle school.
It consists of a central part in Corten steel, two marble parts embedded in the ground and a lectern with a marble top on which are carved the words “founded on work...” from Article 1 and “...repudiates war” from Article 11 of our Constitution.
The two metal plates leave a central space in which the cogwheel is depicted, also present in the emblem of the Italian Republic.
This figure symbolises work, the foundation of our Republic, as indicated in the first article of the Constitution.
It therefore represents work and progress.
12) Memorial plaque to the fallen of Albinea in the First World WarTown Hall, Piazza Cavicchioni
This is a series of three white marble plaques engraved with the names of the people of Albinea who died during the Great War as a result of wounds sustained in service and illness.
There is also a fourth memorial stone in memory of the Albinea partisans who fell in the fight against Nazi-Fascism. They are located in the atrium of the Albinea Town Hall.
13) Memorial stone to the fallen soldiers of Borzano in the First World War Church of S. Maria della Lodola, Borzano
This is a large marble memorial stone engraved with the names of the soldiers from Borzano who fell during the Great War.
The memorial stone also features photographs of the fallen soldiers and is mounted on the south wall of the Church of Santa Maria della Lodola in Borzano.
14) Memorial stone in the Borzano cemetery Via L. Orsi, Borzano
A grey marble memorial stone, commissioned by ANPI Albinea, commemorates the Borzano partisans who died fighting Nazi-Fascism.
15) Cemetery of the Parish Church of Albinea Via Pareto 30
Here lies the tomb of Isaia Cassinadri, a young man from Albinea who was killed by the Germans during the Second World War.
On the morning of 27 March 1945, the day after the partisan and Allied assault known as “Operation Tombola”, Isaia was killed by German rifle fire as they combed the Vendina area in search of the attackers of Villa Rossi and Villa Calvi.
16) Radici di Amicizia Park (Roots of Friendship Park) Via Grandi
The park, inaugurated in March 2017 in the presence of a delegation from the Berlin district of Treptow-Köpenick (twinned with the Municipality of Albinea), commemorates the 110 men who took part in Operation Tombola on the night between 26 and 27 March 1945 and the five German soldiers who were executed by their commander between 26 and 27 August 1944 after being discovered passing information to the partisans.
17) Garibaldi Fountain Via Garibaldi, at number 7
The Garibaldi Fountain was once a public fountain but is now located on private land.
A plaque on the fountain reads: “To the general of the people, Giuseppe Garibaldi, source of freedom and emancipation. Albinea, May 1862”.
The lack of a date indicates that the plaque was prepared by a committee of admirers awaiting the official inauguration in the presence of Garibaldi (according to tradition), which never took place.
It is the first inscription dedicated to the hero in the province and the only one made while the general was still alive.
To find out more, visit the website of the Municipality of Albinea.
Walking along the Cà del Vento ring path you will come across the outcrop of the Messinian gypsum and, near the Tana della Mussina, you can see the Pomo Sinkhole (Dolina del Pomo). With an almost regular funnel shape, 80 x 60 metres, it has a depth of about 22 metres. The edge of this sinkhole is circumscribed, for three quarters, by the layout of a very popular itinerary travelled daily and in every season by numerous hikers on foot, by bicycle and on horseback.
The naturalistic importance of the chalky outcrops of the hills of Emilia and Romagna is well known: they are real hotspots for regional biodiversity and geodiversity where it is possible to find habitats and species of great European interest. The Life+ project focuses on a series of habitats that unite six Natura 2000 sites, analyzing the threats still present and proposing interventions and actions aimed at managing these fragile ecosystems in the medium and long term.
The undisturbed growth of an intricate and dense weed vegetation, dominated by Robinia pseudoacacia, makes it today almost imperceptible in its vastness and depth. The intervention intends to redevelop the landscape of the sinkhole, certainly cultivated in its upper portion until the 1950s, through selective cutting of the weeds. Finally, the redevelopment will be completed with the removal of the filling materials accumulated over time.
The tour of the official website of Life+ "Gypsum" Project is recommended: www.lifegypsum.it/gypsum/index.asp.
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0039 0522 590224-590206 - CEA (Environmental Education Centre) Gessi Messiniani Reggiani - Via Chierici, 2 - Borzano di Albinea
The trail is 7.9 km long and starts from Piazza Cavicchioni, the heart of the Municipality with its restaurants, ice cream parlours, shops selling typical products, clubs and the beautiful Pablo Neruda Municipal Library. In Via Caduti per la Libertà you can visit a unique piece of history: an original portion of the Berlin Wall donated to the Municipality in 1999 by the twinned district of Treptow (Berlin). From the square, through the Tirabuson cycle-pedestrian path you arrive at the town of Botteghe.
300 metres from Piazza Caduti Alleati, Via Chiesa 27, is Villa Sidoli-Rossi: a wonderful residence built in the XVII century, in which Giuditta Sidoli, Italian patriot and companion of Giuseppe Mazzini, stayed. Villa Rossi is a very well-known place because every year Tombola Operation (March 1945) is celebrated here; one of the bloodiest battles of World War II in Reggio Emilia between the German soldiers, who had installed an important communications centre on the Gothic Line, and partisans together with the Allies. The villa is now a prestigious residence, home to the Borgo del Balsamico, and upon reservation it is possible to stay there, visit its ancient vinegar factory and taste typical products (www.ilborgodelbalsamico.it).
The trail continues up to the artisan area where you can see the Albinea Canal; going up Via Conte Re you reach Broletto, the ancient Albinea: a historic village composed of a few rustic houses, gathered around a tower house of medieval origin. In the area it is possible to stop at the Podere Broletto Farmhouse, in Via Monsignor Tondelli 27/a, with a shop selling typical products and a restaurant, and a wonderful view of the Albinea hills (www.poderebroletto.it). Not far away is Monteiatico, mentioned by Ludovico Ariosto in one of his satires. Continuing the route you arrive at the Albinea Parish Church, from which you descend, pass through the town of Botteghe and return to the main square of Albinea.
]]> 0522 590224-590206 - CEA (Centro di Educazione Ambientale) Gessi Messiniani Reggiani - Via Chierici, 2 - Borzano di Albinea
This short trail starts in Villa Tarabini, historical building and place of the Municipal Vinegar Cellar. From the villa, the trail continues on Piazzale Lavezza, climbs up on Via Castellana and reaches the Virgin Mary of Lourdes Sanctuary, nineteenth century church in Gothic style. The route then continues flanking Montericco Castle, merging then onto Via Oliveto. From here the road is downhill, and along the route we encounter the Madonna dell'Oliveto Church, with a neoclassical style. As parish of Montericco, for a short period of time was directed by Ludovico Ariosto. In this area it is possible to visit Montericco Vinegar Cellar (only with reservation calling 0522-347751) and to the Vinegar Cellar Vergnano Castle (0522-599807).
At the end of the road, we encounter a crossroad, where we take Via Spallanzani (a gravel road), continuing then on Via Vallisneri and Via Nobili, until the crossroad with Via Roncosano. From here the route continues straight, merging with the cyclable path. At the crossroads we continue on Via Verdi and then on Via Caduti della Libertà, reaching the starting point.
The paper map is available in selected shops and businesses, local associations, municipalities and Tourist Offices.
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.
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.
• 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
]]> 0039 0522 590224-590206 - CEA (Environmental Education Centre) of Reggio Emilia Messinian Gypsies - Via Chierici, 2 - Borzano di Albinea
CEA of Albinea map
Route length: km 16.5.
Travelling time: 3h 45'.
Heigth (m): ascent 347, descent 347.
Starting point: Borzano.
Borzano - Bellavista - S. Margherita - Giareto - M. Scaletta - C. Speranza - Bicocca - Borzano.
Borzano
By car
From Reggio Emilia: A1 motorway exit; SS63 in the direction of Castelnovo né Monti, past about km 10 turn left in the direction of Scandiano-Albinea.
By bus
Seta bus service: Bus 1 in the direction of Albinea.
This trail enters a very rich area for biodiversity, having the EU-label SIC (European Interest Site - Sito di Importanza Comunitaria). Crossing the area, with long ups and downs and a gain of +430m, we will encounter rocky formation, such as Messinian Chalks formations, typical to this area and recently included into a UNESCO Natural Heritage Site. Due to this, it is unmissalbe a visit to Tana della Mussina, an important archeological site but also a mystical magical place, with legends and stories behind this place about the Mussina, a historical character halfway through a witch and a sorcerer.
Passing through Borzano, you cannot miss the Borzano Castle, with a story intertwined with the Manfredi, noble family in ancient times.
Continuing in Borzano, you can tantalise yourself with a visit to the many farms in this area, with productions of local wines, Traditional Balsamic Vinegar or Parmigiano Reggiano. The microclimate that we can find only here in Albinea, has given the quality to the town of Birthplace of Balsamic Vinegar.
The loft space of Villa Tarabini that host from 2010, the Municipal Vinegar consists of 5 different batteries.
Once in the main room, you can see the barrels in neat rows of decreasing size, where the vinegar follows the fermentation process that, in a battery, it has already been recognized by the Selection Silver. Another battery has, however, vinegars conferred by local producers and all are constantly followed by master Acetai engaged in decanting, the topping and check the correct process of fermentation. Down a few steps you reach the bright dining rooms with large windows that overlook the valley that houses the museum consisting of old equipment for the production of vinegar. In another room is the shrine where they received the first bottles of vinegar produced by the Municipal vinegar cellar that show the label postrano silver, a sign of the quality of the product.
Climbing the spiral staircase that branches off from here will take you inside the tower, the highest point of the villa where you can enjoy a breathtaking view: the eye can grasp the area of the seal and go in there, until the town close to the north and along the outline of the hills, in the south.
It is possible to visit the vinegar cellar by filling in the specific form and sending it, at least 7 days before the date requested, to:
sportellounico@comune.albinea.re.it or to mastro.acetaio@tin.it
Download the map in PDF