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

Contacts

0039 0522 590211 - Town Hall
Town Hall of Albinea

How to get there

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.

Location

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.

Reasons to visit

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.

Not to be missed

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).

Events

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.

In the vicinity

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.

Useful links

Altitude: 32 amsl
Inhabitants: 9.572 (updated to March 31, 2024).
Post code: 42011.
Weekly market day: Friday.
Patron Saint: San Francesco di Paola (April 2).
Hamlets: Pieve Rossa, San Michele, San Tommaso della Fossa.

Contacts

0039 0522 957411 - Town Hall
Town Hall of Bagnolo in Piano

How to get there

Bagnolo in Piano

By car
From the Reggio Emilia exit of the A1 Motorway A1: take Provincial Road 3 to Bagnolo in Piano.

By train
From the Reggio Emilia Railway Station: TPER train Reggio Emilia-Guastalla.

Historical notes

The first evidence of human settlement in the area dates from the II century BC. This was contemporaneous with the gradual process of land reclamation from a vast marshy area which originally extended north from Reggio Emilia to the river Po called the “Bondeno”.
In the period between the XI and XIV centuries the area remained under the jurisdiction of the Benedictine monks of the San Prospero monastery.
In 1335 the monastery was destroyed and the land passed to the Gonzaga family.
Later the town came under the rule of the Este family of Modena, continuing up to the end of the XVIII century.
Their rule was interrupted by the well-known series of events connected to the French Revolution.
During this latter period the local council area was split in two (Bagnolo and San Tommaso), both parts then to be united with Reggio Emilia in 1814.
These days Bagnolo in Piano displays a renewed confidence and belief both in its past and its future, with the recovery and protection of its historic past on the one hand and its development of modern architecture and town planning on the other.

Not to be missed

The town’s most important historic building is the Torrazzo, symbol of the Comune (the local government).
Building began in 1354 on behalf of the Gonzaga family as a fortification and defence of the roads joining Reggio Emilia and Mantua.
It was destroyed by invading French troops in 1702 (only the tower or keep now remaining).
Still in the heart of the town, Gonzaga - Ilva Ligabue Municipal Theatre, with a simple but pleasing late Art Nouveau style, offers an interesting theatre programme. 
The following are also of interest: XVIII-century parish church dedicated to San Francesco da Paola (the town’s patron saint), the XII-century church dedicated to the Santissima Immacolata Concezione (Holy Immaculate Conception) at Pieve Rossa in the village of Fossetta and the “Cà Rossa” rural estate dating back to the XVII century.

Useful links

• Museums in Bagnolo in Piano
• Churches in Bagnolo in Piano
• The Torrazzo of Bagnolo in Piano
• Where to stay in Bagnolo in Piano
• Where to eat in Bagnolo in Piano
• All files of Bagnolo in Piano

Altitude: 121 amsl
Inhabitants: 10.184 (updated to August 31, 2023).
Post code: 42021.
Patron Saint: Holy Virgin dell'Assunta (August 15).
Weekly market day: Saturday.
Events and initiatives: Annual fair (third Sunday of September).
Hamlets: Barco, Corniano, Ghiardo, Piazzola.

Contacts

0039 0522 253211 - Town Hall
urp@comune.bibbiano.re.it
Town Hall of Bibbiano

How to get there

Bibbiano

By car
From Reggio Emilia: secondary road in the direction of Montecchio turning off at Cavriago in the direction of Bibbiano.

By train
From the Reggio Emilia Railway Station: TPER train Reggio Emilia-Ciano d'Enza.

Location

It is located in the foothills, in the valley of the Enza river, in a rich and productive territory.
The fertility of the land and the enterprise of the local peasants led to the development of agricultural activities, which for centuries has been the main source of sustenance for the local inhabitants.
The famous Parmigiano Reggiano has been produced in this Matildic Land for over seven centuries, to the extent that the town has been denominated "the Cradle of Parmigiano-Reggiano”.

Historical notes

The first settlements founded by the Etruscans date back to between the 5th and 6th centuries BC. Three hundred years later Roman colonisation began with the construction of the first system of connecting roads.
During the XI century Bibbiano became part of the lands administered by Matilda, Countess of Canossa.
After her death in 1115 the struggles for succession continued for more than 300 years.
In the XV century, the area of Bibbiano suffered a succession of raids by both French and Spanish troops.
The subsequent period was characterised by rural depopulation (flight from the land) and the resulting famines. It has been a Local Council under the Italian Republic since 1861.

Reasons to visit

A tribute to this fame is the Monument to Parmigiano Reggiano, a sculpture by Michelangelo Galliani representing a 3-metre high wedge of Parmigiano Reggiano made with 32 tonnes of Carrara marble standing in the centre of the Barco roundabout, an important junction for Cavriago and Reggio Emilia, on Provincial road no. 28.
Thanks to this gastronomic excellence, the town deserves a visit to one of the 6 cheese factories present in the Municipality or to the Strada dei Vini e dei Sapori Colline di Scandiano e Canossa (Wines and Flavours Route of the Scandiano and Canossa Hills), an itinerary dedicated to those interested in cultural traditions as well as historical-cultural ones: wineries, farms, vinegar cellars, cheese factories and dairies, wine shops, restaurants and agritourism farms/restaurants and shops selling local food products, all in the discovery of a past, genuine world, out of the ordinary.

Not to be missed

Other places deserving a visit are the Town Hall, from the end of the XIX century with Art Nouveau decorative elements, the S. Maria Assunta Parish church, which is one of the oldest in the diocese (X century, then renovated) and various contemporary art monuments, starting from the Stele del Bianello, a work by Graziano Pompili situated in the centre of the square of Bianello (one of the largest steles in terracotta, six metres high) and "Dialogo" (Dialogue) by Vasco Montecchi, a sculptural group formed of three agile towering feminine figures.

Events

Bibbiano Produce - Third Sunday of September.
Exhibition-market of the best Parmigiano Reggiano, of Matildic DOP (Protected Denomination of Origin), and IGP (Protected Geographical Indication) food products, and craft, trade and industry products.

In the vicinity

In the surrounding area, to the south, there is the Pieve di Bibbiano (Parish Church of Bibbiano), mentioned as far back as before 1000 A.D. in a diploma of Otto II.
A majestic terracotta statue of the Madonna dating from the 1400s can be seen inside.

Useful links

• Museums in Bibbiano
• Churches in Bibbiano
• Where to stay in Bibbiano
• Where to eat in Bibbiano
• All files of Bibbiano

Altitude: 23 m
Inhabitants: 5.236 (updated to August 31, 2023)
Post code: 42022
Weekly market day: Thursday
Patron Saint: San Marco Evangelista (April 25)
Hamlets: Santa Croce, San Rocco

Contacts

0039 0522 963724 - Public Relation office of the town hall
Town Hall of Boretto

How to get there

Boretto

By car
From Reggio Emilia: 30 kilometres along the Provincial Road 358
From the A1 Milan to Bologna motorway: leave the motorway at the Reggio Emilia exit and follow signs to Castelnuovo Sotto for 30 kilometers.
From the A22 Modena to Brennero Motorway: leave the motorway at the Reggiolo exit and follow signs to Guastalla for 25 kilometers.

By train
From Reggio Emilia: Tper local train service from Reggio Emilia to Guastalla.
State railway service on the Parma-Suzzara line.

By coach
From Reggio Emilia: public transport service bus No. 93 from Reggio Emilia to Boretto with branch service to Viadana (Mantua).
From Viadana: take the coach service running between Mantua and Parma.

By river
From Mantua: at the “Laghi” dock.
From Cremona: from the “Porto Fluviale” (River port)

Location

Boretto is a riverside centre on the banks of the River Po, 28 km from Reggio Emilia.
It was important in Roman times and still today has an equipped marina and regional river tourist port. Tourist motorboats set off from Boretto to view the landscape and the profiles of the historic centres passed along the river.
The best periods for cruises and navigation are certainly spring and September, combined with guided visits to the “small capitals of the Po”.

Historical notes

Boretto is a river-side community only separated from the Po by the main flood embankment.
The historic centre of the town is indeed, right up against the embankment of this great river, with the mighty Basilica of San Marco l’Evangelista (St Mark the Evangelist).
The Basilica towers over the whole town as if defending it against the eternal “enemy” lurking just beyond the embankment erected immediately behind the Church itself.
As a result of its special geographical position and its history, the centre of Boretto is perhaps one of the most subject to the river’s influence than any of the other towns along the Po.
Its position coincides with a wide curve in the river, with a view over the solemn and impressive landscape unrivalled almost anywhere else along its course.
The area has been inhabited by Gauls, Celts, Romans and Venetians.
There is some dispute as to the origin and etymology of the name.
It could be derived from “beruptum” (the broken Po) or “deruptum” (the route of the Po).
In Roman times, Boretto was part of the Brescello fortified camp.
The archaeological finds made in the area demonstrate the wealth and luxury enjoyed by the area, characteristics which can also be deduced from the discovery of villas and tombs.
The remains of a funerary stele or slab is preserved at the town’s middle school, while the most significant find, the Concordi tomb, has been moved to the Public Gardens in Reggio Emilia.
The Venetians, whose influence increased from the 12th century onwards, built a church dedicated to St Mark in Boretto.
The distinctive character of its people and their access to considerable economic wealth has given Boretto a role of some importance and autonomy from Brescello from 1859.

Reasons to visit

The town is separated from the Po River only by the main embankment, behind which is the town centre, where the imposing Basilica Minore di San Marco Evangelista stands out, attesting Boretto’s importance for the Venetians, who used it as a stopping off point on the River Po, for both their conquests and their trade.
The Town Hall, whose Council Chamber is embellished with Art Nouveau decorations by Marcello Nizzoli (the designer of the lettera 22, the iconic Olivetti typewriter from the 1900s), is situated in the same square of San Marco.

Not to be missed

A visit to the Museo del Po e della Navigazione (Museum for the Po River and Navigation), the Casa dei Pontieri "D. Gialdini" Museum, and the Museo multimediale della Bonifica (Multimedia Reclamation Museum), the only one of its kind, with sounds and images projected on the walls of a drainage node in the style of the Fascist era (1920s).

What to eat

The territory of Boretto is also the home of the Borettana onion, which boasts the “De.co” mark (officially making it a traditional local product).
Its adaptability makes it possible to obtain two varieties and two harvests, one in spring and one in autumn, ensuring its presence on the market throughout the year.

Entertainment

The town has an equipped marina and a small tourist and sports port linked to motor boating activities.
In the spring and summer months there is also a river cruise service of varied duration, by request, as far as Mantua.

In 2023 a Big Bench was inaugurated (Big Benches are oversized attractions that are part of the Big Bench Community Project world circuit, located in particularly scenic places, according to the project of the American designer Chris Bangle). The bench is located in the Lido Po area.

Keeping fit

The presence of the river permits the practice of various sports: canoa, motor boating, sports fishing.
For cycling lovers, there’s the naturalistic cycle path on the banks of the Po, which runs through the entire “riverside” territory of the Municipality of Boretto, interconnecting the territory of the Municipality of Gualtieri to that of Brescello.

Events

Spring Festival - From April 25 to May 1.
Funfair, stalls, exhibitions.

Idro Gp-the International Motorboat Grand Prix - First half of June
International motorboat races.

PiroPo - Second half of June
Fireworks and musical show with fire magic on the Great River.

September Festival - First weekend of September
Performances, concerts, stalls, tastings of the Borettana onion and local dishes.

Renowned people

Sant’Alberto degli Avvogardi (1149-50, from Bishop of Bobio to Patriarch of Jerusalem),
Mario Nizolio (1488 humanist)
Guido da Boretto (1496 jurist),
Don Angelo Dosi (1827 to 1896 an important figure in religious affairs and Italian unification and politics)
Artimide Zatti (1880 to 1951 Salesian coadjutor, beatified on 14 April 2002)
Marcello Nizzoli (1887 to 1969 painter, engineer, poster designer and pioneer in Italian design)
Pietro Ghizzardi (1906 to 1986 painter).

Useful links

• Museums of Boretto
• Churches of Boretto
• Where to stay in Boretto
• Where to eat in Boretto
• All files of Boretto

Altitude: 24 amsl
Inhabitants: 5 564 (updated to April 30, 2024)
Post code: 42041
Weekly market day: Thursday
Patron Saint: San Genesio (August 25)
Hamlets: Lentigione, Ghiarole, Sorbolo a Mane

Contacts

0039 0522 482511 - Town Hall
Town Hall of Brescello

How to get there

Brescello

By car
National Road SS62 (Mantua to Parma).

By train
From the Railway Station of Reggio Emilia: train to Guastalla and then train Suzzara-Parma.

By bus
From Piazzale Europa in Reggio Emilia: public transport service bus No. 93.

Location

Brescello is located at the confluence of the Enza River into the Po, 30 km north of Reggio Emilia.

Historical notes

The ancient Roman colony of Brixellum, already inhabited in proto-historic times, was one of the main centres of the Roman Reggio Emilia province.
In the 4th century St. Ambrosio numbered it among the semi-destroyed Italian cities that he visited in “Padania” in full decline.
It was a Byzantine military centre and soon became a key centre of resistance against the Longobards.
In the battles that followed the town was practically destroyed but revived in the X century under Adalberto Atto of Canossa.
After that it came under the municipality of Parma, of the Visconti family, the Venetians, the Sforza family and, from 1479, the Este family. 
Alfonso II d’Este fortified the town in 1553 with a pentagonal city wall that was destroyed in 1703.

Reasons to visit

In the main square: the Santa Maria Nascente Church, the statue of Hercules, the work by Sansovino in 1553 and the contemporary statues of Don Camillo (in the Church square) and Don Peppone (in front of the Town Hall), and the ancient San Benedetto Monastery (XV century), today a cultural centre, housing the Peppone and Don Camillo Museum.
Brescello is the birthplace of the philosopher Mario Nizzoli and of the librarian Antonio Panizzi (founder of the famous library of the British Museum in London).

Not to be missed

There’s no question that much of the fame of this city is linked to the film adaptation of the books by the writer Giovannino Guareschi (1908-1968) who made Brescello the town of "Don Camillo and Peppone", the capital of the “mondo piccolo” (small world) described by the writer.
All the "Don Camillo e Peppone" films were shot in Brescello: it is possible to visit the Peppone e Don Camillo Museum and the Brescello e Guareschi, il territorio e il cinema Museum (Brescello and Guareschi, the territory and the cinema), as well as the Archaeological Museum, in which a rich and significant archaeological collection of findings discovered in the area of ancient Brixellum are conserved.

When to go

In spring and summer it is possible to take trips by boat on the Po River and walk along the river bank.

What to eat

The Spongata, a Christmas dessert with a decidedly soft texture and a spicy taste originates from Brescello. It is said that it was created in the Benedictine monastery in 1480 (Spongata di Berselo).

Events

Brescello Film Festival - June
Projection of films and documentaries, productions that recount the Italian province, and conferences.

San Genesio Festival - August
Stalls and musical performances.

Blessing of Po River - 2^nd week of September
Traditional procession with the original statue of the Talking Crucifix from the Don Camillo and Peppone film saga.

Useful links

• Museums in Brescello
• Churches in Brescello
• Where to stay in Brescello
• Where to eat in Brescello
• All files about Brescello

Altitude: 33 m
Inhabitants: 10.741 (updated to June, 2024)
Post code: 42023
Weekly market day: Wednesday
Patron Saint: San Matteo (April 6)
Hamlets: Villa Argine, Cadelbosco di Sotto, Villa Seta, Zurco

Contacts

0039 0522 918511 - Town Hall
Town Hall of Cadelbosco di Sopra

How to get there

Cadelbosco di Sopra

By car
From Reggio Emilia exit of A1 Motorway: take the National Road SS63 in the direction of Guastalla-Mantova.

By bus
Public transport service bus No. 93 or 87.

Location

The territories north of Reggio Emilia, situated between the Crostolo stream, the Enza river and the via Emilia road have been subject to extensive reclamation over the centuries, carried out by the Benedictine monks and by the Este family, permitting the growth of important human settlements. Cadelbosco Sopra is one of these.
The small town is situated 10 km from Reggio Emilia, and has historically always followed its fate. It is an agricultural town whose numerous cooperative dairies and farms produce significant amounts of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.

Historical notes

This town can trace its origins back to around the 10th century when it was a village called Vico Zoario (from the Latin Zea, a graminaceous plant then very common in the area).
There is then a further reference in an ancient document where mention is made of the same village, referring to the foundation of the “Vico Zoario” castle.
In 1215 records show that the owner of the castle and the surrounding woods was a certain Gherardo del Bosco - from whom the present-day town presumably takes its name.
The next owners of the land were the Benedictines of San Giovanni of Parma who began the important work of land reclamation.
Further hydraulic works were undertaken in 1570 under the Bentivoglio family to ensure that none of the precious waters flowing down from the Apennines were wasted.

Not to be missed

From an artistic point of view, the XVII-century church dedicated to San Celestino,and Santissima Annunziata Church, with an elegant façade and a classic-style bell tower and inside an impressive organ by Triari, is worth a visit.
In Piazza della Libertà is the "Monument to the Resistance" by Marino Mazzacurati.
The town is also the birthplace of the artist Nani Tedeschi.
L'Altro Teatro offers performances with productions linked to contemporary art, young people and the territory.

In the vicinity

At a distance of 5 km is Cadelbosco di Sotto, of which it is worth mentioning the church of SS. Annunziata (1513) and, at the Crostolo Stream, the Botte Bentivoglio (1566), a masterpiece of hydraulic engineering.
It is a 77 m-long duct that allows the water of the reclamation canal to pass under the stream bed.

Useful links

• Churches in Cadelbosco di Sopra
• Where to stay in Cadelbosco di Sopra
• Where to eat in Cadelbosco di Sopra
• All files of Cadelbosco di Sopra

Altitude: 22 m
Inhabitants: 5.562 (updated to January 31^st, 2024)
Postal code: 42012
Weekly market day: Saturday
Patron Saints: Santi Gervasio e Protasio (June 19)
Hemlets: Cognento and Ponte Vettigano

Contacts

0039 0522 750711 - Town  Hall
Town Hall of Campagnola Emilia

How to get there

Campagnola Emilia

By car
From the exit Reggio Emilia of the A1 motorway: take Provincial Road SP travelling in the direction of Reggiolo. Turn right at Novellara.
From the A22 motorway: exit at Carpi and take the Provincial Road to Novellara.

By bus
From Piazzale Europa in Reggio Emilia: public transport bus No. 43 or 95.

Location

Campagnola Emilia, located 23 km north of the administrative centre, in territory that has belonged to the Canossa family (IX century), the monastery of Frassinoro and the Da Correggio family (XIV-XVII centuries).
The construction of the village, begun in 1621 by Siro d'Austria, increased its importance.

Not to be missed

In the heart of the town is Piazza Roma, which maintains the regular XVI-century layout, with the Santi Protasio e Gervasio Parish Church to the north, two sides of similar houses and porticoes, a space to the west for villa Schiattarini, later Conti-Cottafavi, and the Town Hall, a XVII-century building modified on a number of occasions, positioned at the opposite end of the church.
At around 1.5 km from the centre of the town is the Sant'Andrea Church, in Romanesque style, with frescoes from the XV century.
North east of the town is the Abbey of Campagnola Emilia dedicated to the Holy Trinity; founded in the XII century, it is one of the most important in the Reggio Emilia territory of that period. Today, only a modest little church remains of the entire building, built out of the right-hand nave of the church and placed inside a Rural Palace.

What to eat

The farming village is well-known for the delicious Ciccioli (pork cracklings) produced there; it is also famous for the vinegar dellars, the Lambrusco Reggiano wineries and the cheese factories that produce Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.

Events

Salami Nights - Third weekend of May
Tastings of salami and other pork-based gastronomic products.
Contest between butchers for the title of "salame dell'anno" ("salami of the year").

Saints Gervasio and Protasio Festival - Third weekend of June
Open market, gastronomic stands and products, performances, funfair.

Golden Crackling - Second Sunday of December
Contest between butchers for the production of the best pork crackling and the "record-breaking super crackling", and at the end of the day, the awarding of the best butcher.
Gastronomic stands and stalls with local traditional food products.

In the vicinity

In San Bernardino is the San Bernardino Court (also known as Casa Folloni taken from the name of its current owner), already recorded in the XII century with the name of Villa dei Reatini.
The famous Franciscan preacher Saint Bernardino of Siena, extraordinary orator and propagandist of the name and monogram of Jesus was a guest in the villa.
The palace, dating to the Matildic era, was restructured in the XV century with a manor house to the west, a dovecote tower to the north, and a XV-century oratory dedicated to the Saint.

Useful links

• Museum in Campagnola Emilia
• Churches in Campagnola Emilia
• Where to stay in Campagnola Emilia
• Where to eat in Campagnola Emilia
• All files of Campagnola Emilia

Altitude: 34 m
Inhabitants: 5.352 (updated to January 1^st, 2024)
Postal code: 42040
Weekly market day: Tuesday
Patron Saints: Santi Pietro e Paolo (June 29)
Hamlets: Caprara, Case Cocconi, Lora

Contacts

0039 0522 676521 - Town Hall
Town Hall of Campegine

How to get there

Campegine

By car
From the exit "Terre di Canossa-Campegine" of the A1 motorway: follow in the direction of Campegine.
Via Emilia (National Road SS 9): turn north at Calerno to Campegine.

By bus
Bus No. 65 to Campegine from the bus station in Reggio Emilia, Piazzale Europa.

Location

The Municipality of Campegine is composed of the districts of Caprara, Case Cocconi, Lora and Razza.
A segment of the A1 Milan-Bologna motorway runs across the southern part of the territory with an exit at the new "Terre di Canossa-Campegine" toll gate.
A section of the High-Speed Railway line runs parallel to the motorway.

Historical notes

The name of this town derived from the Latin root "campus" (meaning field or countryside).
Different versions of the name existed, such as Campicinum, Campigene, and Campeginem, which is the version found in a charter signed by Charlemagne in 781 A.D., defining the border between Parma and Reggio Emilia.
Campegine has always been rich in natural springs of water.
Due to this feature, numerous traces of prehistoric settlements have been found in the area, as well as the underground layout for an ancient Roman aqueduct, which is located in the western part of the territory.
The aqueduct carried drinking water from the Castellina fountains to Brixellum (current-day Brescello), an important Roman garrison on the Po River.
Agriculture provided a living for the inhabitants of the area in the most remote past, and developed with the progressive reclamation of these wetlands by the Roman legions and Benedictine monks, the imposing operations carried out by Marquis Cornelio Bentivoglio during the latter part of the XVI century, and the Este government of Ferrara, which ruled the territory for almost four centuries.
An autonomous municipality since 1860, the town of Campegine paid a heavy price in blood in more recent events in the history of Italy, particularly during the demonstrations against the tax on flour in 1869 and the fight of the Resistance against Nazi-fascism.
The tomb of the seven Cervi Brothers is situated in the Cemetery of Campegine; they were shot by the Fascists on December 28, 1943; the remains of their father, Alcide, and their mother, Genoeffa Cocconi, lie in the same chapel.

Reasons to visit

The town deserves a visit for its natural and historical treasures; thanks to the presence of natural springs, it maintains several traces of prehistoric settlements and the underground layout of the ancient Roman aqueduct that brought drinkable water to Brixellum (Brescello).
Farming developed with the gradual reclamation of these marshy areas carried out, in different periods, by Roman legions, Benedictine monks, through the extensive reclamation works of Marquis Corneglio Bentivoglio in the second half of the 16th century, and under the care of the Este House of Ferrara, which ruled the territory for four centuries.

In the vicinity

The rural palace of Valle Re, dating to the XV century, is located in the municipal territory, near the section of the A1 motorway.
In the XVIII century it belonged to the family of Filippo Re, the famous agronomist. In 1992, the Emilia-Romagna region established the Corte Valle Re Nature Reserve in the surrounding area.
In the same vein as Valle Re to the north, next to the Cava canal there is the Corte del Gualtirolo, a very ancient fortified centre, later transformed by the Benedictine monks of the Monastery of St. Prospero of Reggio Emilia, which owned it from 1080 to 1782, into a thriving farm, renowned for the breeding of cattle and, most of all, for the production of Parmigiano Reggiano “Parmesan” cheese, for eight long centuries.

Keeping fit

Regional Nature Reserve of Valle Re Court Fontanili (springs). It is a piece of land of 37 hectares, recognised as a site of European Community interest, characterised by 20 active springs, expanses of water, canals surrounded by dense reeds and interesting aquatic fauna.

Coming from the town centre of Campegine, the Reserve is reached by following via Cavatorti and taking the turning to the left, after the flyover of the A1 Motorway, which leads directly to the car park in front of the entrance.

Events

Santi Pietro e Paolo Festival - Last weekend of June
Performances, traditional market, artistic market, stands of local products.

Useful links

• Churches in Campegine
• Where to stay in Campegine
• Where to eat in Campegine
• All files of Campegine

Altitude: 93 m
Inhabitants: 19.980 (updated to December 31, 2022)
Post code: 42013
Weekly market day: Thursday
Hamlets: Dinazzano, Salvaterra, San Donnino (Villa Spalletti), Sant'Antonino, Veggia

Contacts

0039 0522 998511 - Town Hall
Town Hall of Casalgrande

How to get there

Casalgrande

By car
From Reggio Emilia exit of A1 Motorway: National Road SS467 in the direction of Scandiano-Sassuolo.
From Reggio Emilia take National Road 9 in the direction of Modena, turning right at Rubiera to Casalgrande (National Road 486).

By train
From Reggio Emilia Railway Station: Reggio Emilia-Sassuolo local train service.

By bus
From Reggio Emilia, Piazzale Europa: bus No. 96 or 68.

Location

Casalgrande is a municipality in the foothill area of the Province of Reggio Emilia to the south west of the administrative centre, on the left bank of the River Secchia.
It was a predominantly agricultural territory until the 1960s; from the 1970s it has formed part of the biggest and most important ceramics district in Italy, together with Sassuolo, Fiorano Modenese and Castellarano.

Reasons to visit

Casalgrande maintains its historical part to the south of the main road, around the old castle, which was perhaps already existing in 1200.
What now remains of the Castle (at Casalgrande Alto) is a fortified palace dating to the XV century, with two square towers, machicolation-based defences and remains of battlements. The small town corresponds to the historical name of Boglioni, where the more recent town centre has developed.

Keeping fit

For activities in the open, a walk in the La Riserva park should not be missed; it is a natural green area used as local park with an altitude ranging from 150 to 384 metres above sea level.
The La Riserva park has a rich and varied vegetation with a network of small paths created inside it, thanks to local volunteers, going in different directions for a length of almost four kilometres and which lead to three stopping points called "Fontanina”, “Martinella” and “Quagliodromo La Riserva”.
There is also the Secchia Park in Villalunga, where events and festivals also take place.

Entertainments

The De Andrè Theatre is a cultural centre and meeting place with theatre, dance and music programmes.

Events

Casalgrande Jazz Festival - Half of July
Jazz concerts with the participation of important national and international musicians.

September Festival - Second and third week of September
Concerts, performances, sports tournaments and exhibitions.

In the vicinity

There are notable examples of rural and noble settlements in the neighbourhood of Casalgrande and in the nearby villages.
Not to missed among these is a tour of Villa Spalletti dating back to the XVII-XVIII centuries, surrounded by a fine park; in the district of Salvaterra is the Castle built in the XII century; the Dinazzano tower (XIV century) stands on a hill; it is the only remains of an important fortified estate, from which is a beautiful view of the Reggio Emilia and Modena plain.

Anyone traveling along the Pedemontana road which leads from Reggio Emilia to Sassuolo, near the Casalgrande Padana production centre, can find two spectacular new landmarks which interrupt the hilly landscape of Reggio Emilia: the Casalgrande Ceramic Cloud, the first Italian work designed by the Japanese Kengo Kuma and the Casalgrande Ceramic Crown by architect Daniel Libeskind, a monolith as tall as a five-story building.

Useful links

• The castle of Casalgrande
• Where to stay in Casalgrande
• Where to eat in Casalgrande
• All files of Casalgrande

Altitude: 149 m
Inhabitants: 15.278 (updated to December 31, 2022)
Post code: 42014
Weekly market day: Thursday
Patron Saint: San Rocco (August 24)
Hamlets: Cadiroggio, Roteglia, San Valentino, Tressano

Contacts

0039 0536 850114 - Town Hall
Town Hall of Castellarano

How to get there

Castellarano

By car
From the Reggio Emilia exit on the Motorway A1: take SS567 to Scandiano, then the Provincial road to Castellarano.

By train
From Reggio Emilia: TPER train Reggio Emilia-Sassuolo then bus No. 88.

By camper
Free Area sosta camper in via Don Reverberi, 17.

Location

The town is located in the hills, on the left bank of the Secchia River, to the south east of the administrative centre of the province.

Reasons to visit

The town is an example of a fluvial castle town with a large, well conserved historic centre, clearly maintaining its original Medieval layout. The settlement, documented as far back as 900 is, however, older, as revealed by archaeological findings in the vicinity.

The Village: The main street is still paved with river pebbles. At the base of the hill is the fifteenth-century Rocchetta, owned by the municipality, from which the walls departed, still partly visible. Two cobbled streets run through the ancient village and lead to the Castle (private) and the Clock Tower, an ancient medieval lookout destined to watch over the Secchia. Opposite the Castle is the parish church of Santa Maria Assunta, of Romanesque origin.

When to go

The best seasons for visiting are spring and summer, so as not to miss the attractions of the surrounding hilly area.

Not to be missed

The Santa Maria Assunta Church whose crypt conserves Romanesque elements; the XV-century Rocchetta and the Clock Tower.

Fun fact! In Castellarano there is a garnet-colored Big Bench (located on Mount Malee), in the hamlet of Roteglia, with a wide panoramic view of the Secchia valley and the main hills of the area, including Monte Cusna and Monte di Valestra. You can easily reach the bench on foot after parking at the San Valentino farmhouse.

Keeping fit

The Castellarano territory is characterized by several naturalistic and tourist trails that link to various villages and locations, through the green landscape of the hills. Crossed by the CAI 602 path and its many variants, it is also within the wider hiking trails of the upper and middle Secchia river and the Via dei Vulcani di Fango.

In the vicinity

At Campiano is the Santuario della Beata Vergine della Neve (Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of the Snow) dating back to the XVIII century; there is the Castle of Roteglia; in San Valentino is a beautiful adjacent valley and the village, from the XI century, has a Castle and Romanesque parish church.

Leisure activities

The San Valentino Golf Club is located in the valley of the same name.

Events

Grapes Festival - Third weekend of September
Historical parade (Sunday).

Historical notes

The town is an example of a river castle village with a vast historic center in an excellent state of conservation, which allows the reading of the original medieval layout. The settlement, already documented in the 10th century, is however much older, as evidenced by various archaeological finds in the surrounding area. The first traces date back to the Mesolithic (XI-VIII millennium), especially in the areas of Campiano and Gambarata. Very substantial evidence of a long-lasting Etruscan and Roman presence first, have been found in the historic center of Castellarano, above the remains of the ancient terramare.

After the fall of the Roman Empire, around the second half of the sixth century, Castellarano was occupied by the Longobards who placed a military garrison here, also due to the proximity, in the Apennine area, of their opposing Byzantine troops. This important settlement is amply documented by numerous archaeological finds and large necropolises with tombs mostly belonging to warriors, with funeral kits consisting of weapons, now preserved in the museum of Reggio Emilia.

Few traces remain of the Matildic period (10th-11th centuries): it is known that the Countess Matilde owned a house and a chapel in Castellarano which she donated to the Monastery of Polirone (S. Benedetto Po); in 1106 the Countess held a placit at the church of S. Maria, she entrusted the government of Castellarano to a family of local nobles and, in the municipal era, Castellarano swore allegiance to Reggio Emilia. The city, in fact, was very fond of the small center since here was the entrance to the very important Reggio canal which drew water from the Secchia to feed the sewers, productive activities and mills in the city.

During the struggles between Guelphs and Ghibellines, Castellarano was the seat of very aggressive Guelphs, for this reason the fortress was besieged and destroyed. In 1319 the warlike Da Roteglia family occupied Castellarano and, between ups and downs, was linked to the history of the town until 1419, the year in which Castellarano was definitively occupied by the Estensi troops. Castellarano suffered serious damage from the fire of 20 July 1944, set in the town, in retaliation, by German troops: they burned many buildings in the historic center including the palace, which was rebuilt in 1974.

Curiosity! In 1997 the fossil skeleton of a whale, nicknamed Valentina, was found in the gullies of Rio della Rocca, near San Valentino. The find can be admired at the Palazzo dei Musei in Reggio Emilia.

Useful links

• The village of Castellarano
• Where to stay in Castellarano
• Where to eat in Castellarano
• All files of Castellarano

Altitude: 27 m
Inhabitants: 8.511 (updated to December 31^st, 2022)
Post Code: 42024
Patron Saint: Sant'Andrea (November 30)
Weekly market day: Monday
Hamlets: Cogruzzo, Meletole, San Savino

Contacts

0039 0522 485711 - Town Hall
Town Hall of Castelnovo di Sotto

How to get there

Castelnovo di Sotto

By car
A1 motorway, exit Terre di Canossa-Campegine: follow signs to Castelnovo di Sotto-Poviglio.
A22 motorway, exit Reggiolo: follow signs for Guastalla and Gualtieri. It is possible to reach Castelnovo di Sotto from Gualtieri through the districts of Santa Vittoria and Meletole.

By bus
Daily service from Reggio Emilia, Piazzale Europa: bus No. 93.

Location

The Municipality of Castelnovo di Sotto is located 15 km from Reggio Emilia, to the north west.

Historical notes

The first document referring to the existence of the town dates back to 980 AD.
It is a brief reference to a sale of land occurring in “Castronovum”.
The town then formed part of the lands of vassals to the Canossa family.
It later passed to the Da Correggio family. Before this date, between 800 and 900 AD, the area had been invaded by the Hungarian Gauls.
This appears to be the period when the first castle was built - an extremely simple construction.
In 1200 it became a genuine fortress which, over the time, acquired the characteristics associated with a noble seat.
This was the home of the Da Correggio family until 1800.
Castelnovo then passed to the Visconti family and to Ottobono Terzi.
The shifting fortunes of history saw the area under the rule of either the Da Correggio or Este family up to 1600.
In the middle of the XVII century Castelnovo di Sotto passed to the Gherardini of Verona when the Duke Francesco d’Este sold the lands in 1652.
The rule of the Gherardini ended with the coming of the French.
After the end of the Napoleonic period the town passed to the Este family which maintained their power up to 1859.
It became a free municipality after the Unification of Italy.

Reasons to visit

The town centre is characterized by the long main street of the town with porticoed houses and the IX-century Fortress which reveals its castle-based origins.
The Beata Vergine della Misericordia Church contains XVII-century canvases from the Po River valley, including the Birth of the Virgin by Lionello Spada and the Crucifixion by Palma the Young.

When to go

In February during the Carnival period when a very important event is held: the “Castlein” Carnival, with a parade of floats and masks, famous all over the country.

Not to be missed

The Carnival mask Museum, a documentation and research centre, with antique metal moulds and original plaster models, and the Old Corking machines Museum, with almost 300 old corking machines (from 1600 to 1950) and items of historical interest associated with wine bottling.

Events

Carnival - February
Parades of gigantic floats, masked groups, musical performances and gastronomic events.

Horse Festival - Second Sunday of April
Games and attractions in the square, fun fair, market stands.

Sant'Andrea Festival - Last weekend of November
Open market, funfair, sports and recreational events, exhibitions.

Useful links

• Museums in Castelnovo di Sotto
• Churches in Castelnovo di Sotto
• Where to stay in Castelnovo di Sotto
• Where to eat in Castelnovo di Sotto
• All files of Castelnovo di Sotto

Altitude: 78 m.
Inhabitants: 9.884 (updated to December 31^st, 2022).
Post code: 42025.
Weekly market day: Wednesday.
Patron Saint: S. Giovanni (June 24).
Hamlets: Corte Tegge.

CONTACTS

0039 0522 373411 - Town Hall
Town Hall of Cavriago

How to get there

Cavriago

By car
Cavriago is 10 km south-sest of the Reggio Emilia Motorway exit. The Provincial Road running between Montecchio Emilia and Reggio Emilia (SP62) is easy to find and connects it with Cavriago as well.
It is possible to reach the town from Parma by using the National Road SS513, turning off for Montechiarugolo and then, arrived in the Province of Reggio Emilia, following road signs to Montecchio Emilia and Cavriago.

By train
TPER: Line route Reggio Emilia-Ciano d'Enza.

By bus
Bus No. 1 or Bus No. 94.

Location

Cavriago, a nearby appendix of Reggio Emilia (10 km), is a dynamic and modern productive centre which has undergone considerable economic and social development in recent years.

Reasons to visit

The charming Piazza Zanti, partly porticoed, to visit the Napoleonic Cemetery, the oldest of the four remaining in Italy, built in 1810. It has remained intact, a mysterious and fascinating place where it’s possible to rediscover the story of a number of important people of the Napoleonic era.

Entertainment

Today the centre of the town’s very intense cultural life is the “Multiplo” Cultural Centre, with theatre, film and opera, etc., and the Cremeria, a precious piece of industrial archaeology, now a centre for study, work and education.

Not to be missed

In Cavriago is a bust of Lenin, the only one in Italy, which is today a tourist attraction. The bronze statue of Lenin arrived in 1970 in Cavriago’s main square (which is still today referred to with the same pseudonym) as a present of the Soviet Socialist Republics Union made by the Russian embassy in Rome. It was made in 1922 by the Ukrainian workers of Lugansk and before reaching Val d’Enza it was spoils of war for the Fascist troops. Then came the Liberation and the bronze statue was recovered in Tuscany and given to the embassy. The bond with Cavriago was already special in 1919: it was at this time that Lenin read in the socialist daily newspaper “Avanti” the appreciation and support sent by the socialist movement of the town of Val d’Enza, and cited Cavriago in a speech to the Moscow Soviet. The bust of Lenin and its history inspired the song Piccola Pietroburgo by the group Offlaga Disco Pax.
It is now kept inside the Centro Culturale Multiplo.

Keeping fit

Between Reggio Emilia and Cavriago, between the landscape of the plain and the foothills, is the Bosco del rio Coviola. The wood, with excellent trees and a large community of small mammals and birds, offers walks and other leisure activities.

Appointments

Fat Ox Fair - Last Sunday of March
Food and wine exhibition, exhibition of ancient breed cattle from the Reggio Emilia province, exhibition of ancient traditional crafts, stands with craft and gastronomic products.

Ancient Bull Fair - Second Sunday of September
Market display of craft, food, organic and wellness products.

Historical notes

The name Cavriago comes from the Latin Curvus Ager, referring to the hilly nature of the area. Another suggestion is that the name comes from the Latin word Cuprum (copper), perhaps indicating the place where the red (or copper-coloured) earth begins.
Whatever the correct etymology may be, the first known reference to the town is in a map of December 1, 996, from the Parma Capitulary Archives where Countess Rolenda, the illegitimate daughter of Hugo, King of Italy, donated the castle and the chapel of “Corviaco” to a certain Paulone “a freeman and a faithful follower”.
This courtier thus became the first ruler of Cavriago and was probably the founder of the Bovini or Bruini family who dominated the town for more than four centuries. This was not without ferocious military and political struggles – due to the delicate strategic position of Cavriago Castle, located exactly between the lands of Parma and Reggio.
While wars and famine followed invasions of locusts and plagues, different nobles fought among themselves for Cavriago Castle which in the meantime, with the increasing population, was built with massive perimeter walls.
An old Parma chronicle refers to a battle fought outside Cavriago in 1215.
If they had to submit to a feudal lord, the inhabitants of Cavriago prefer to be under the yoke of the Este family which had promised to grant them various privileges. It was thus under the rule of Borso D’Este, in 1458, that the Ducal Canal was dug to “bring water and with this, fertility, to thousands of hectares of cultivated land”.
Still with particular regard for the town, in 1465 Borso D’Este offered the fiefdom of Cavriago to his favourite Teofilo Calcagnini. This latter was responsible for the production of the “Cavriago Charters”, the first complete collection of laws, drawn up on the basis of pre-existing local customs.
Calcagnini was not however, able to enjoy the generous gift for long. As soon as the internecine struggles between the various little Italian states flared up again, Cavriago was once more at the mercy of the various contenders. In 1482 on the one side there was Ercole I D’Este (the Duke of Ferrara, Modena and Reggio) and on the other the Venetians, supported by Counts Rossi of Parma and Guido Torrello of Montechiarugolo. The latter was able to take advantage of a strategic error by Ercole D’Este who had left Reggio ungarrisoned, taking over and sacking Montecchio, then turning his attention to Cavriago and Reggio. At this point the inhabitants of Cavriago, tired of the depredations suffered at the hands of Reggio, offered the town spontaneously to Torrello. This incurred the wrath of the Council of Elders which, December 7, asked Ercole to reconquer Cavriago and solve the problem once and for all by razing the castle to the ground.

Useful links

• Museums in Cavriago
• Churches in Cavriago
• Where to stay in Cavriago
• Where to eat in Cavriago
• All files of Cavriago

Altitude: 31 m
Inhabitants: 25.177 (updated to December 31^st, 2022)
Post code: 42015
Weekly market day: Wednesday
Patron Saint: San Quirino (June 4)
Hamlets: Budrio, Canolo, Fazzano, Fosdondo, Lemizzone, Mandrio, Mandriolo, Prato, San Biagio, San Martino Piccolo, San Prospero.

CONTACTS

0039 0522 630711 - Town Hall
Town Hall of Correggio

How to get there

By car
Driving along the A22 Modena-Brennero motorway, exiting at the Carpi tollbooth and following the road signs to Correggio (then following the main road 468 to the south);
From A1 Milan-Bologna motorway, Reggio Emilia exit: follow the road signs to Carpi-Correggio (main road 468 to the north).

By train
The closest railway stations to Correggio are Reggio Emilia (about 20 km) and Carpi (about 7 km).

By bus
From Reggio Emilia, Piazzale Europa: bus No. 43 or No. 82.

Location

Correggio is the most important town after the administrative centre, Reggio Emilia, and is located about 20 km north of it.

Historical notes

Already inhabited in Roman and Longobard times, since the XI century the town has been a feudal land of the family from which it takes its name: the Da Correggio family, which competed with the Visconti and Este families between the XIV and XV centuries, also becoming lords of Parma for a short time. The Da Correggio family, after the original feudal grant, got Correggio recognized as a county in 1452 and a town in 1599. Their court attracted poets and intellectuals, such as Ariosto, the Bembo, Aretino, all guests of the counts. The Court of Correggio was very well-known in the Po River Valley at that time and reached its peak with Nicolò Da Correggio (1450-1508), Veronica Gambara (1485-1550) and the painter Antonio Allegri (1489/1494-1534), called "The Correggio". In 1616 Correggio was elevated to the rank of principality. In 1630 Siro, Prince of Correggio, lost his feudal rights to tht, then seized by the Duke of Modena.

Important characters born in Correggio include, among others, the painter Antonio Allegri, the musician Bonifazio Asioli (1769-1832), the sculptress Carmela Adani (1899-1965), the marathon runner Dorando Pietri (1885-1942), the writer Pier Vittorio Tondelli (1955-1991), the flautist Andrea Griminelli (December 13, 1959) and the rocker Luciano Ligabue (March 13, 1960).

Reasons to visit

The porticoed streets and the evocative views reveal the historical role of the town. Worth seeing in the well-preserved historical centre, which contains the districts of Castelvecchio, Borgovecchio and Borgonuovo, are the Correggio Civic Museum containing the masterpiece by Andrea Mantegna, “The Redeemer”, and the cycle of superb tapestries from the Brussels school, the San Quirino Church (XVI century), the monument to Correggio, the Civic Tower, the San Francesco Church, the Fortress (with remains of the Medieval walls), the Correggio Art Home, documentation centre on Antonio Allegri, Palazzo Cattini (or Clock Palace) and the neoclassical Asioli Theatre, still active.

Not to be missed

The Palazzo dei Principi, with its refined Renaissance architecture and Ferrara style, in which the work of Biagio Rossetti is visible, is also worth a visit. It also hosts the municipal library, with precious incunabula and editions from the XVI to XVIII centuries.

Entertaiment

The town’s cultural life is focused on the Asioli Theatre seasons, the Correggio Art Home, the Giorgio Einaudi Municipal Library, which also hosts the Pier Vittorio Tondelli Documentation Centre.

What to eat

The Correggio Scarpasot is a savoury pie that obtained the DeCo mark (denomination of municipal origin) in 2012. It differs from the Erbazzone Reggiano because it is made without pastry (either puff or brisé pastry), which makes it even tastier.

Events

San Giuseppe Festival-Correggio in Flower - Third weekend of March
Local market with stalls and exhibition of typical gastronomic and craft products.

San Quirino Festival - First weekend of June
Art, exhibitions, performance, food and wine, sport, local market with stalls and exhibition of typical gastronomic and craft products.

San Luca Festival - Third weekend of October
Local market with stalls and exhibition of typical gastronomic and craft products.

Useful links

• Museums in Correggio
• Churches in Correggio
• Where to stay in Correggio
• Where to eat in Correggio
• All files of Correggio

Altitude: 26 m
Inhabitants: 6.683 (updated to December 31^st, 2022)
Post code: 42042
Weekly market day: Thursday
Patron Saint: San Genesio (August 25)
Hamlets: Ponte Bisciolino, Rifugio, Quattro Formagge, Righetta, San Genesio

CONTACTS

0039 0522 751923 - Town Hall
0039 0522 751936
Town Hall of Fabbrico

How to get there

Fabbrico

By car
Leave the motorway at the Reggiolo-Rolo toll booth, then follow the directions to Fabbrico.

By train
From Reggio Emilia: regional train to Modena, then train to Verona.

By bus
From Reggio Emilia, Piazzale Europa: bus No. 43.

Location

It is an industrious and lively town, mixing an agricultural economy with quality vineyards and a mechanical economy (formerly Landini - tractors). It is located north of Correggio.

Historical notes

The area has been inhabited since pre-historic times. During the Middle Ages the focal point of population was concentrated around the emerging centre made up of the castle, the church, the parish church and court under the aegis of the powerful “della Palude” family. In 1306 it became part of the feudal lands of the Da Correggio family, remaining under their control until the XVII century.

Not to be missed

The Santa Maria Assunta parish church, with a brick façade, has a Baroque style interior with precious altar frontals in polychrome scagliola.
The nearby Palazzo Guidotti incorporates part the ancient castle that held the primitive settlement, the walls and the XV-century bastions. Several rooms of the (private) building are now used for receptions.

Entertainment

The Pedrazzoli Theatre is the centre of cultural life.

What to eat

The Fabbrico-based Compagnia del Nocino (Nut Liquor Society) is dedicated to keeping alive the recipe of this ancient liquor, prepared with an infusion of walnuts (husk), gathered on the evening of San Giovanni, June 24, in alcohol.

Events

Green Idea - Second weekend of April
Market fair dedicated to fruits, flowers, vegetables and seeds. Display of vintage agricultural equipment, and handmade vintage products.

Altitude: 34 m
Inhabitants: 5.718 (updated to January 1, 2024)
Post Code: 42043
Weekly Market Day: Thursday in the village of Praticello
Patron Saint: San Matteo (September 11)
Hamlets: Praticello (Town Hall offices), Olmo, Nocetolo, Ponte Enza, Gattatico, Taneto, Fiesso

Contacts

0039 0522 477912 - Municipality
Municipality of Gattatico

How to get there

Gattatico

By car
A1 motorway exit in Reggio Emilia: main road No. 9 Via Emilia to Sant'Ilario d'Enza, secondary road No. 38 Sant'Ilario d'Enza-Gattatico-Sorbolo.

By train
The nearest stations are Sorbolo, that can be reached from Parma through TPER Parma-Suzzara route, and Sant'Ilario d'Enza (8 km), that can be reached from Reggio Emilia by bus No. 2.

Location

Gattatico is situated 25 km north of Reggio Emilia, in the heart of the Po River Valley.

Historical notes

Area of ancient human settlement, it was first inhabited by the Cisalpine Gauls and then by the Romans who founded Tannetum, a thriving town, especially in the Augustan age.
In the high Middle Ages reclamation work was carried out on the land, for which prisoners (captati) were often used, giving rise to the name Gattatico.
After being under, alternately, Farnese, Sforza, Papal, French and Austrian domination, the town was elevated to a Municipality in 1805 and in 1853 passed officially to the Diocese of Reggio Emilia.
The area is rich in villas and manor courts, including the two estates of Pantaro di Sotto and Pantaro di Sopra. The interesting San Matteo Church is situated in Praticello.

Not to be missed

The Cervi Museum, which is also an active cultural centre, is situated in the farmhouse where the seven Cervi Brothers lived and where they were arrested and then shot by the Fascists in 1943.
The museum contains various documents and objects linked to the story of the Cervi brothers, to the Resistance and to local farming culture.

There is also a collection of farm tools relating to the work and life of a farming family in the first half of the last century.
The museum promotes a rich calendar of conferences, exhibitions and cultural events (the most important being is the Theatre Resistance Festival), and hosts a library of agricultural history.

Events

Theatre Resistance Festival - July
Festival of contemporary civil theatre.

Wheat Festival - August - In the village of Olmo
Festival of ancient crafts. Corn threshing, traditional wheat threshing, the cooking of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, the preparation of polenta, handmade bread baked in a wood oven, traditional grape pressing, pork crackling contest. Entertainments, concerts, dance, tournaments, games, plays, cabaret.

San Matteo Festival - Fourth Sunday of September
Stalls, funfair, artistic handicraft, exhibitions, music, food and wine.

Useful links

• Museums in Gattatico
• Churches in Gattatico
• Where to stay in Gattatico
• Where to eat in Gattatico
• All files of Gattatico