Vezzano sul Crostolo

Located amongst hills, footpaths and scenic natural views, Vezzano sul Crostolo is a place where nature meets history, inviting visitors to slow down and enjoy the true spirit of Emilia.

Vezzano sul Crostolo lies in the foothills between the plain and the Reggio Emilia Apennines, about 16 km south-west of Reggio Emilia, in the valley of the Crostolo torrent.

It is the gateway between the plain and the Reggio Apennines, a place where nature, history and landscapes come together.
Located at the confluence of the Crostolo and Campola torrents, the village offers hiking trails, medieval heritage and panoramic views ideal for those who love to discover an authentic region.

Vezzano sul Crostolo is a destination to be enjoyed at any time, offering many experiences all year.
In spring and summer, the area comes alive with colours and scents, making it the ideal time for hikes, walks and outdoor activities amongst the hills and trails.
In autumn, the village is rich in warm hues and becomes the perfect place to discover local festivals and traditional produce, blending flavour and tradition.
Even in winter, Vezzano retains its charm, offering a peaceful and evocative atmosphere, ideal for those seeking relaxation amidst nature and the small villages of the Reggio Emilia Apennines.

What to see

Vezzano Ecopark
large natural area covering over 50 hectares, home to native wildlife and trails set amidst nature.
Historic centre and tower houses
medieval structures dating back to the 15th century that bear witness to the village’s past.
Monte del Gesso
nature reserve linked to the local mining history.
San Martino Church
religious and historical landmark of the village.
Via Matildica del Volto Santo
historical, cultural and religious route, with a stage from Vezzano to Canossa and a variant route through Montalto.
Network of footpaths and cart tracks
Ideal for walking or cycling excursions, amidst hilly landscapes and historical and cultural heritage.

Nearby

Main events

Sport and outdoor activities

Vezzano sul Crostolo is a picturesque stop on the Via Matildica del Volto Santo, a route stretching almost 300 kilometres that crosses three regions, four provinces, dozens of municipalities and countless communities.
A route rich in history, culture, spirituality and nature.
The stage leading to Canossa starts right from the park car park, with a scenic detour towards Montalto.The whole area is also rich in trails immersed in nature, ideal for hikers and outdoor fans:

trekking and walks along footpaths and mule tracks
cycling and mountain biking through the hills and along nature trails
outdoor activities in the Ecopark

Local history

Vezzano sul Crostolo traces its origins back to the Early Middle Ages, in an area that was already inhabited in Roman times and was strategically important for controlling the routes leading into the mountains.
Over the centuries, it became an important defensive stronghold and, in 1420, was annexed to the Duchy of Este, thus coming under the influence of one of the most powerful lordships in northern Italy.

The current municipality was established January 1, 1860 by decree of Luigi Carlo Farini and, two years later, took on its definitive name of ‘Vezzano sul Crostolo’, linking itself to the stream running through its territory.

For centuries, Vezzano was a bustling crossroads and an economic hub linked to the exploitation of natural resources, particularly the extraction of gypsum.
Even now, in the historic centre and the hamlets, one can admire striking 15th-century tower houses, evidence of the area’s ancient defensive layout.

The landscape also maintains significant traces of the presence of the Canossa family, one of the most powerful families of the Middle Ages, visible in the localities of Montalto, Paderna and Casola Canossa.

Alongside this historical legacy, the area also preserves the memory of more recent events: in the hamlet of La Vecchia, the tragic Massacre of Bettola, which took place June 24, 1944, is commemorated every year; 32 civilians lost their lives during a Nazi-Fascist reprisal.

Identity and traditions

Contacts

42030 Vezzano sul Crostolo

Vezzano sul Crostolo Municipality