From the historic centre of Reggio Emilia, follow Via Emilia all’Angelo, pass the Santo Stefano roundabout and the bridge over the Crostolo, then turn left into Via Giacomo Puccini. Along the way, you can admire: the Church of Santo Stefano (dating back to the 11th century, it was once one of the properties of the Knights Templar and houses the city’s oldest Romanesque artefact: a capital depicting Jesus, an angel and a headless female figure) and the roundabout featuring Marco Gerra’s sculpture, an abstract work of art 10 metres high and weighing 90 quintals.
After turning right onto Via Vincenzo Gianferrari, pass under Via Chopin and follow the cycle path that cuts through Nilde Iotti Park to Via dei Templari. The park marks the southern boundary of two imposing villas in Reggio Emilia: Villa Terrachini (private) and the Maramotti Collection, the first factory of the Max Mara fashion house, now converted into a ‘museum’ of contemporary art and open to visitors free of charge.
Continue along Via Gorizia and Via Carlo Teggi, following Cycle Route 7 of the Municipality of Reggio Emilia. Pass the beautiful Villa Angela (private property), a stately 19th-century residence surrounded by a park and enclosed by an imposing fence. At the rear, hidden from view from the road, is a small oratory dedicated to Saints Grisante and Daria, the city’s patron saints.
Near the Church of Codemondo, turn left onto Via Pantaleone, ride alongside the cemetery and turn right onto Via Socchi. Continue straight on along Via Pigoni until you rejoin Via Teggi. From here, continue straight on towards the centre of Cavriago.
After a short stop, between the gardens of the Multiplo and Piazza Zanti, resume the route by taking Via Matteotti, continue along Via Paterlini and you will arrive near Parco della Pianella (shopping centre). Pass under the SP28 and continue along the narrow road until you reach the SP72: follow Via Nemo Sottili and Via Quaresimo to the centre of San Bartolomeo. Around the ancient church, which is home to the parish centre and the sports ground, there is a playground and some recent buildings. Continue along Via Aldemo Tirabassi and turn right onto Via Giovanardi. Turn right onto Via Zanichelli, cross the Rio Moreno and continue straight on to the hamlet of Ghiarda. Carry on along Via Ghiarda and Via Ruozzi until you reach the Modolena stream and the imposing Villa Levi.
The route continues through the hamlet of Coviolo, following the Modolena Greenway until it rejoins Via Gorizia. From here, carry on straight ahead to the historic centre of Reggio Emilia.
