Rodano Stream Greenway

The cycle path follows the course of the river Rodano along points of great historical and natural interest. A path suitable for cyclists and hikers, completely flat.

Reggio Emilia

Route characteristics

Distances of cycle paths
Route length: one day.
Difficulty: easy.

Description

With its 400 hectares, the Rhone Park embraces the city of Reggio Emilia to the east. An imposing brick arch on the Via Emilia marks the access point to Mauriziano, the XV century home of the poet Ludovico Ariosto and the vineyard of the same name. Next to it, there is the Asineria di Reggio Emilia, a farm specialized in promoting slow tourism to discover the territory in the company of the donkeys of Ariosto. The cycle path has a total length of 7km and links the Mauritian with other areas of naturalistic interest. Northwards, the path that is being defined runs alongside the new RCF Arena Campovolo, alongside the Av Mediopadana station and ends in the municipality of Bagnolo in Piano.

The territory is characterized by several fountains and a protected area called Area of ecological rebalancing. The park is connected to the area of the Acque Chiare, which design proposes the structure of the agricultural landscape with hedges, rows, ditches and a herb garden (Gabrina Garden) and the Crostolo Park, through the green areas of Via Settembrini.

Guarda The route follows stage 1 of the Spallanzani Path that connects the Palazzo dei Musei (permanent seat of the Spallanzani collection) to the town of Scandiano, where the scientist’s birthplace and the Rocca dei Boiardo are located.

Linking Itinerary:
From the Ariosto Summer Residence to the Reggia di Rivalta

Route characteristics:
Lenght: 14 km
Route lenght: 3h by walking
Difficulty: easy

Starting point: Via Emilia San Pietro
Arrival point: Rivalta Palace

Itinerary description

Starting from Reggio Emilia, after about 2 km you find on your left the Lombroso Pavilion, now the Museum of the History of Psychiatry. The entire complex looks like a large park, within which are located buildings of various types and periods.

On the opposite side, going on for another 2 km, there is the "Mauritian" or "Casino dell'Ariosto", summer home of the poet Ludovico Ariosto who resided here, host of cousins Malaguzzi Valeri. It is a building of typical Emilian architecture of the XV century, which houses on the first floor magnificent rooms ariostesche (called dressing rooms). The avenue of access from Via Emilia consists of a double row of ancient poplars and the unmistakable brick arch.

Following the entrance avenue you are inside the Rodano Park, divided into two sections, inspired by two principles: classic near the Mauritian, with plants that meet the criteria of the ancient parks, while between the Rodano and the Ariolo stretches an agricultural area where there is also space for spontaneous vegetation. Following the red signs and cycling in peace between natural and agricultural landscapes of great charm, the path crosses underpasses and walkways and arrives at the Acque Chiare: along the herb garden of Gabrina and along the Viale Osvaldo Piacentini through a new bike path surrounded by greenery. At the roundabout in Via Luxemburg, you follow the underpass that links with Via Tassoni. From here is next the connection to the Crostolo Park that is both on the right and on the left bank leads to the Reggia di Rivalta.

Starting from Reggio Emilia, after about 2 km you find on your left the Lombroso Pavilion, now the Museum of the History of Psychiatry. The entire complex looks like a large park, within which are located buildings of various types and periods.

On the opposite side, going on for another 2 km, there is the "Mauritian" or "Casino dell'Ariosto", summer home of the poet Ludovico Ariosto who resided here, host of cousins Malaguzzi Valeri. It is a building of typical Emilian architecture of the XV century, which houses on the first floor magnificent rooms ariostesche (called dressing rooms). The avenue of access from Via Emilia consists of a double row of ancient poplars and the unmistakable brick arch.

Following the entrance avenue you are inside the Rodano Park, divided into two sections, inspired by two principles: classic near the Mauritian, with plants that meet the criteria of the ancient parks, while between the Rodano and the Ariolo stretches an agricultural area where there is also space for spontaneous vegetation. Following the red signs and cycling in peace between natural and agricultural landscapes of great charm, the path crosses underpasses and walkways and arrives at the Acque Chiare: along the herb garden of Gabrina and along the Viale Osvaldo Piacentini through a new bike path surrounded by greenery. At the roundabout in Via Luxemburg, you follow the underpass that links with Via Tassoni. From here is next the connection to the Crostolo Park that is both on the right and on the left bank leads to the Rivalta Palace.