Urban Trekking in Reggio Emilia - XXIII Urban Trekking National Day
Reggio Emilia
Date
San Francesco 1226-2026. On the trail of the essential
A journey through history, nature, memory and spirituality.
On the occasion of the eighth centenary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi, Reggio Emilia invites you to explore the local area through a walking route that weaves together history, landscape and reflection. This 14-kilometre loop is designed to reveal the city and its surroundings from a new perspective, allowing you to rediscover the value of simplicity and the deep connection between humanity, nature and community.
The tour begins at the San Francesco Church and passes through significant parts of the city, from the old Jewish Ghetto to the working-class Gattaglio district. It is a journey that invites us to symbolically transcend boundaries and divisions, opening ourselves up to connection and sharing.
After crossing the Crostolo stream, the route continues along the Alex Langer Trail, where the landscape invites reflection on our relationship with the environment. A stop at the Garden of Religions evokes values of brotherhood and intercultural dialogue, while the Modolena Greenway and the "Vacche Rosse" (Red Cows) agricultural tradition highlight the area's rural heritage and connection to the land.
The second part of the route also follows CAI trail 646D - known as the Via delle Ville - linking the message of Saint Francis to the area's historical memory. Sites associated with the Resistance, from Villa Levi to Porta Brennone, preserve testimonies of courage, sacrifice and freedom.
Taking in historic cemeteries, green spaces and iconic city landmarks, the trek reaches Parco del Legno and Piazza Prampolini before concluding at the starting point.
Accompanied by CAI guides, participants will enjoy an experience that combines movement, discovery and mindfulness, allowing themselves to be led through the multifaceted identities of Reggio Emilia: a city to be explored step by step, where history meets nature and the landscape becomes an opportunity for connection.
Meeting: Palazzo dei Musei (Museums' Palace) at 9.00 a.m. and start at 9.30 a.m.
Info and reservations: Reggio Emilia Municipality (Monica Rossi) phone +39 0522 456374; e-mail monica.rossi@comune.re.it
