Delizie Estensi Itinerary

Introduction

A pleasant walking or cycling route leads from the historic centre of Reggio Emilia to the Reggio di Rivalta, passing through elegant tree-lined avenues, urban parks, and places that reflect the city's long-standing connection with the Este dynasty.
Following the path that once linked the city centre to the ducal residences, visitors can rediscover a landscape rich in history and charm, where architecture, nature, and cultural heritage intertwine along the banks of the Crostolo stream.

Informazion

The route runs from the historic centre to the city's inner outskirts, passing through green spaces and easily accessible sites of historical interest.

Reggia Rivalta: A Little Versailles in Emilia

At the heart of the itinerary lies the Reggia di Rivalta, one of the most fascinating ducal residences in Emilia-Romagna. Located just a few kilometres from the centre of Reggio Emilia, it was commissioned by Duke Rinaldo I d’Este as a splendid residence for his son Francesco and his wife Carlotta d’Orléans, a member of the French royal family.
Construction began in 1722, transforming Rivalta into an elegant country retreat inspired by the great European residences of the time. Between 1740 and 1760, the palace experienced its period of greatest splendour: festivals, receptions, and performances brought life to the elegant gardens and the striking ceremonial spaces of the Este court.
With the end of Este rule in the late eighteenth century, the complex began to decline. Today, only the southern wing of the residence remains, but recent restoration of the area and the park still allows visitors to imagine the magnificence of what was once known as the “Little Versailles” of the Este.

Itinerary description

Via Ariosto e Porta Castello

The route begins in the historic centre, near Via Ariosto and Piazza Roversi, and continues towards Porta Castello, one of the city's ancient gates. From here, it follows the historic axis that for centuries connected Reggio Emilia to the ducal residences in the surrounding countryside.

Viale Umberto I

The walk continues along Viale Umberto I, the famous “Stradone” commissioned in 1788 by the Duke of Este to link the city centre with the Reggia di Rivalta. Originally lined with poplars, mulberry trees, fountains and small obelisks, it soon became a favourite spot for the Reggio aristocracy and middle classes to take a stroll.
Even today, the avenue retains the charm of the grand 18th-century urban vistas and stands as one of the city’s most elegant green gateways.

Ponte di San Pellegrino

Once you reach the San Pellegrino Bridge, also built in the eighteenth century, the landscape gradually changes and gives way to nature. Here begins the cycle and pedestrian path that runs along the Crostolo stream and leads to Rivalta.

Parco del Crostolo (Parco delle Caprette)

The most scenic section of the itinerary crosses Parco del Crostolo, also known locally as Parco delle Caprette. This vast green corridor extends for hundreds of hectares along the stream and offers an ideal setting for walking immersed in nature.
Rows of poplars, meadows, wooded areas, and cycle and pedestrian paths guide visitors through a relaxing landscape that blends the urban environment with the countryside.

Reggia di Rivalta

The path finally leads to the Reggia di Rivalta, the main destination of the itinerary. In addition to the restored areas of the residence, the historic park and the restored sections that bear witness to the former splendour of the Este court are also well worth a visit.
Walking through these places, it is easy to imagine the atmosphere of the festivities and celebrations that once animated the life of the nobility in the eighteenth century.

Villa d'Este (Vasca di Corbelli)

Continuing beyond the Reggia, you reach Villa d’Este, also known as the Vasca di Corbelli, an elegant example of the network of ducal residences and gardens that shaped the ducal landscape.

Villa di Rivaltella

Final stop on the itinerary is Villa di Rivaltella, nestled in the green countryside of the Reggio Emilia area. The complex completes the story of the ancient Este villas and offers a pleasant conclusion to a route that combines art, history, and nature

A journey through history and spirituality

Furthermore, the itinerary coincides with the urban link route of the Via Matildica del Volto Santo, an important hiking trail that connects Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, and Tuscany, retracing the places associated with Matilda of Canossa. It offers an additional opportunity to discover the area by following ancient pilgrimage routes and landscapes rich in history.