In Reggiolo, history is in the air within the walls of the fortress, the arcades of the town centre and the authentic flavours of the Bassa Reggiana.
Reggiolo marks the border with the Oltrepo Mantovano region and is located 29 km north of Reggio Emilia.
The town maintains ancient traces of its past - from the medieval fortress to the arcaded streets of the historic centre - offering visitors an authentic experience of architecture, culture and the countryside. It has been an important fortified outpost since the 13th century, and it still bears witness to its connection with local history through its monuments and traditional festivals.
Reggiolo is a charming destination to explore all year, although autumn is the ideal time to enjoy the Pumpkin Festival (Fiera della Zucca), a perfect opportunity to taste local products and enjoy the area’s traditions.
The “Terre di Pianura” ("Plain Lands") itineraries offer cycling routes through the canals and villages of the Po River Valley, with stops that also include Reggiolo.
Guastalla and Novellara are neighbouring towns with complementary historical, natural and gastronomic heritage.
Main events
Per non perdere il sapore / So as not to lose the flavour – first Sunday in February Culinary competition for pork butchers.
Roccaciocc – mid-March Chocolate festival with food stalls, workshops and dessert competitions.
Concorso Pianistico Rinaldi/Rota / Rinaldi/Rota Piano Competition – May This event, which celebrates the unbreakable bond between the Reggio-born composer Giovanni Rinaldi (1840–1895) and his famous nephew Nino Rota (1911–1979), aims to promote musical culture amongst young people and showcase the repertoire of these two masters.
Reggiolo Beer Fest – mid-June A beer festival with food stalls and concerts every evening – the highlight being the Ruttosound.
Notti in fiera / Nights at the Fair – first half of July A festival featuring music, crafts and good food. Celebration of the patron saint, San Venerio, and fireworks.
Fiera della Zucca / Pumpkin Fair – third and fourth weekends of September A food festival dedicated to pumpkins. Tasting of pumpkin-based specialities in local restaurants, with the option of lunch and dinner. Historical re-enactment with medieval performances.
At table
Tortelli Reggiolesi De.C.O. (Municipal Designation of Origin): pasta stuffed with boiled or roasted pumpkin, amaretti biscuits, mostarda, cheese and nutmeg, served with melted butter or a sauce of fried onion and tomato. This traditional dish is mainly served for Christmas Eve dinner and was awarded the De.co designation in 2019.
Sport and outdoor activities
Cycling and walking are popular thanks to the many flat routes and green spaces near the town centre.
Nature walks along canals, through fields and across open countryside are perfect for relaxing activities.
Local history
Reggiolo was first mentioned in 1044 in a document belonging to the Canossa family and was the site of an important river port. It then passed to the Bonaccolsi and Gonzaga families, before being annexed to the Duchy of Guastalla and, from 1748, to the Duchy of Parma and Piacenza, ruled by the Bourbons. From 1847 to 1869, Reggiolo was part of the Duchy of Parma and Modena, before becoming part of the Italian state.
Curiosities
On the night of July 24-25, 1115, Matilde of Canossa, one of the most powerful and influential women of the Middle Ages, died in Bondanazzo (formerly Bondeno di Roncore), in the municipality of Reggiolo.
Identity and traditions
Altitude 20 m Postcode 42046 Weekly market Friday Patron saint Saint Venerio the Abbot (July 7) Hamlets Brugneto, Villanova
