Rodano River Greenway

Covering 400 hectares, the Parco del Rodano stretches eastwards from the city of Reggio Emilia. An imposing terracotta arch on the Via Emilia marks the entrance to the Mauriziano, the 15th-century residence of the poet Ludovico Ariosto, and to the vineyard of the same name. Next to it lies the Asineria di Reggio Emilia, a farm specialising in promoting ‘slow tourism’ to explore the local area in the company of Ariosto’s donkeys. The cycle and footpath has a total length of 7 km and connects the Mauriziano with other areas of natural interest. To the north, the route – which is currently being finalised – runs alongside the new RCF Arena Campovolo, passes the Mediopadana high-speed rail station and ends in the municipality of Bagnolo in Piano.

The area is characterised by several springs and a protected zone known as the Ecological Rebalancing Area. The park connects to the Acque Chiare area – whose design echoes the layout of the agricultural landscape with hedges, rows of trees, ditches and a medicinal herb garden (Giardino di Gabrina) – and to Crostolo Park, via the green spaces along Via Settembrini.

The route follows Stage 1 of the Spallanzani Trail, which links the Palazzo dei Musei (the permanent home of the Spallanzani collection) to the town of Scandiano, where the scientist’s birthplace and the Rocca dei Boiardo are located.

The cycle and footpath follows the course of the Rodano stream, passing by sites of considerable historical and natural interest. It is a route suitable for cyclists and walkers, and is completely flat.