Timetable of extra-urban routes

Transport service

Phone

840 000 216 - Contact Center Seta (Monday-Saturday from 07:00 a.m. to 07:00 p.m.; Sunday from 09:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m., closed on weekday holidays)
840 151 152 - Railway Call Center

Tickets can also be purchased in the tobacconist shops (tabaccheria).

Here are the maps of the 32 Municipalities of the local editorial staff of Reggio Emilia:

Altitude: 162 m
Inhabitants: 4.359 (updated to August 31^st, 2023)
Post code: 42030
Weekly market day: Wednesday
Patron saint: San Martino (November 11)
Hamlets: La Vecchia, Montalto, Paderna, Pecorile, Sedrio

CONTACTS

0039 0522 601911 - Town Hall
Town Hall Vezzano sul Crostolo

How to get there

Vezzano sul Crostolo

By car
From Reggio Emilia: National Road SS63 in the direction of Castelnovo ne' Monti and Passo del Cerreto.

By bus
Publit transport service: bus No. 44.

Historical notes

Its geographical position at the confluence of the Campora and Crostolo streams has historically favoured human settlements. The territory boasts a significant historical, cultural, landscape and environmental heritage, and can be visited through several routes.

The origins of Vezzano sul Crostolo date back to the Early Middle Ages, and the Romans built numerous "domus" (country houses).
In the Middle Ages it was an important point of defence and control of the communication routes from and to the Apennines. It was annexed to the Este Duchy in 1420.
Today’s municipality was established, by decree of Luigi Carlo Farini, January 1, 1860; "sul Crostolo" was added to the initial name of "Vezzano" in 1862.
As well as being an important communication junction, in the past Vezzano sul Crostolo was also characterized by the presence of large gypsum sites; most of the local population was involved in its extraction and processing.
Several house-towers dating back to the XV century can still be seen in the town centre and in the surrounding hamlets.

There are also traces of medieval history and the Canossa family in Montalto, Paderna and Casola Canossa; an episode of recent history is commemorated every year at La Vecchia: the Bettola massacre perpetrated in 1944 by the Nazi-Fascists.

Not to be missed

The Ecopark, a public area extending over 55 hectares, has specimens of native fauna and contains a wide variety of ecosystems, so as to be one of the most densely populated areas with wild animals in the province of Reggio Emilia. It is possible to arrange snacks and lunches for individuals, schools and organized groups.

Vezzano sul Crostolo is also a stage along the “Matildic Route of the Holy Face”, the historical route of tourist-cultural interest as well as a pilgrimage route.
The stage from Vezzano sul Crostolo to Canossa and the variant to Montalto starts from the Ecopark parking.

Events

Wild Asparagus Festival - First Sunday of May
Tastings, gastronomic stands, market of local food products, art workshop for children, art exhibitions.

San Martino Festival - Second Sunday of November
Extraordinary market, exhibitions, handicra, musical entertainment, funfair.

Useful links

• Parks in Vezzano sul Crostolo
• Churches in Vezzano sul Crostolo
• Where to stay in Vezzano sul Crostolo
• Where to eat in Vezzano sul Crostolo
• All files of Vezzano sul Crostolo

Via 11 febbraio, 2 - 42030 Vezzano sul Crostolo
Phone 0039 0522 601102

How to get there

See the indication to reach Vezzano

Historical notes

The church was restored in 1990 and contains a number of fine paintings as well as six frontals in scagliola made between the 17th and the 18th century.
During restoration works a door which can be dated at least as far back as 1515 was returned to its original form. Above the door is a fine lunette with the sculpted symbols of the Da Canossa family.
A document dated 1156 refers to the Church of San Martino as being under the Parish Church of Muciatella. It was consecrated by Bishop Adelberio in the middle of the 12th century. By 1531 it was felt that restoration work was needed and during a pastoral visit by Bishop Marliani in 1664, it was reported that the church was extremely old, “listed in the official archives” and “partly in ruins”. Numerous renovation works were in fact carried out throughout the 18th century and in 1823.
The church lies at the foothill of the castle. It has an east-facing façade which follows the lines of the sloping roof and a narrow archivolt portal under a trapezoidal window. The southern wall has a sculpted architrave bearing the date 1515, with the coat of arms of the Canossa family and a monstrance. The church interior follows a Doric order and has one nave with a barrel vault. The bell tower culminates in a chamber with a mullioned window with one light surmounted by a dome resting on an octagonal tambour.

The park contains a wide variety of ecosystems, so as to be one of the most densely populated areas by wild animals in the province of Reggio Emilia.

Service facilities and some paths are accessible to disabled.

Opening times

Info: Gruppo Storico il Melograno phone 0039.333.2319133; 0039.339.2313875; e-mail: gruppostoricoilmelograno@gmail.com.

Prices

Free entrance

How to get there

Vezzano sul Crostolo

Coming from Reggio Emilia in the direction of Castelnovo ne' Monti, after about 15 kilometres past the town of Vezzano you can leave the vehicles in the parking area located on the right side of the road SS63. From here continue through the path that leads directly into the park.

Download the map in PDF

You can find the paper map in selected businesses, accommodation facilities, in touristic offices and Communal desks.

Introduction

Vezzano sul Crostolo was founded at the merging point between the Campola Stream into the Crostolo River, on the National Road no. 63, connecting Reggio Emilia and the Po Plain to La Spezia, on the Ligurian Sea. The villages around Vezzano are: La Vecchia, Montalto, Paderna, and Pecorile. In the Roman Era there were many rural Domus, while during the Middle Ages, this place was transformed into a defensive stronghold and controlling point for any connection between the Apennines and the Plain. The castles in Paderna, Montalto, and Monte del Gesso were property of the Canossa family until 1420, with the annexation to the Estense Duchy. 

In the surrounding villages we can see fine examples of "casa-torre" (tower houses), from the 15th century. The local economy was historically linked to the presence of limestone underground. The peculiarity of the soils and the microclimate let endemic plants thrive, such as wild asparagus and Scotch Pines. This area is particularly beloved by cyclists and trekkers.

LANDMARKS

• (H6) Monte del Gesso Castle (ruins) and Madonnina
• (F5) Paderna Castle (ruins)
• (E7) Montalto Castle (ruins) and adjacent Church
• (I6-I7) San Martino Church and San Michele Arcangelo Church, of St. Michael and St. Lawrence, with only the bell tower remaining.
• (G4) Chiesa di Casola Canossa Church, dedicated to Sant'Eufemia
  In 1082, the Bishop of Lucca and minister for the Reggio Emilia Episcopate, named Anselmo, donated a chapel entitled to Sant'Eufemia to the Canossa Monastery, as remembered into the Pope Hadrian's bull in 1157 and Pope Alexander III in 1178. In 1447 the chapel was extended and in 1675 was transformed into its actual state. Inside the church we can notice the remainings of a rectory and a rural complex of 15-16th century.
• (E7) Vindè - medieval village
  The original structures are from the Middle Ages, as we can see from a defensive structure, whose walls are more than a meter wide. This complex is formed by a single structure, with justapoxed elements, with a cottage on the northern side and a house on the southern side. On the eastern side we can notice a window with a sandstone lintel with a triangular form. We can see then the fine well-tank of medieval origin, with a pointed stone structure.
• (D8) Riolo - medieval village
• (F6) Mary's Immaculate Heart Church - doors, Via Crucis, tabernacle, windows and baptistery made by R. Valcavi
• (E7) Casaratta - Majesty figure dedicated to the Virgin Mary
• (E6) Ca’ Lolli - village with a tower and oratory of the 17th century
• (E6) Ca’ Caprari - village with a tower-house
• (E6) Possione - village with a tower and a dovecote from the 17th century
• (D6 - E6) Cuccagna - rural village
• (G5) Melano - rural village
• (G5) Signano - village with an oratory
• (G5) Travaglioli - tower-house with balconies and brick decorations of the 15th century
• (I7) Boni Mill
• (E6) Memorial Monument of the Bettola Massacre: 
  This monument remembers one of the most cruel massacres perpetrated by the nazi-fascists in Italy. On June 23rd, 1944, while attempting to blow the SS63 bridge in the village of La Bettola, the partisans had a clash against the German Feldgendarmerie soldiers, with 2 soldiers and 3 partisans killed. That same night, a group of German soldiers retaliated on the civil population, killing 32 people. The victims are remembered on a gravestone placed in the Vezzano Townhall and from a monumental complex in La Bettola inaugurated in 1985, with addings in 2004 and 2014.
• (I7 - L7) Via Martelli Milestone
• (I7) Fallen Soldiers Monument of the 1st and 2nd World War
• (D7) Villa di Mezzo - ancient noble villa of the 18th century
• (D7) Villa di Sopra - rural village with separated structures (14th century)
• (I6) Sedrio - Noble (private) villa with angular towers and arched porch
• (G6) Vezzano Pine wood (Pinetina): 
  The Pinetina stretches from Mount Grafagnana to the Crostolo river, with a total area of 55 hectars. It is located into the first hills of the province, and it has a mixed wood of Black Pine and typical oak trees, with grasslands and prairies. The exceptional variety of ecosystems within the natural area has permitted the development of a coexistence of many species, both in fauna and flora.
• (D6) SIC-ZSC Monte Duro and Scotch Pine wood in Monte Gesso. Panoramic point.
  Hovering on the town of Vezzano, Monte Gesso (391 mt) is a mountain made by Messinian Chalks with a scenic view on the Pianura and the Apennines. In 1980, some archaeologists found remainings of a prehistoric settlement. There was also the Gesso Castle, with few relics nowadays, where some writings attributed this castle to the Canossa Family and Emperor Frederick I, dated 1185.
• (D7) Cavazzone - 15th century complex with defensive tower

Routes and itineraries

Vezzano - Pecorile Ringroad

Starting point: Pinetina parking area
Activities: trekking, cycling
Estimated time: Route 1 (4/1) 2h30 – Route 2 (4/2) 3h

Take trail no. 644, and after some meters we will be in the centre of Pinetina, where we can spot some majestic peacocks with their colourful feathers. From this point we continue on trail 644 unitl exiting the wood, descending then in a small creek and subsequently going up on the climb on the right, where we can admire some scenic views of the Crostolo and Campola valleys, as well as all the panorama of the Vezzano hills, eye-reaching the Apennines Peaks. Following the 644 trail, we will cross the villages of Pederniano, Travaglioli, Signano, reaching Pecorile. Here we can choose between Route 1 and Route 2: the former one closes the ringroad towards north-east, crossing again Pecorile, until the peak of Mount Grafagnana, returning on trail 646. The latter allows us to continue our trek on trail 644 towards south-west, visiting the village of Casola Canossa, making a small ring around Pecorile, where we connect with the other trails going to Mount Grafagnana and/or back to Pinetina.

Torrente Crostolo Trail

Starting point: sports area in Via Tintoria
Activities: trekking, cycling
Estimated time: Route 1 (5/1) 1h30 – Route 2 (5/2) 3h

Route 1. Take the Matilde Cycling path towards north and cross the bridge on the Crostolo river onto Via Togliatti. Here, continuing on trail 646B, cross the neighborhood of Sant'Antonio and the village of Casone. Shortly before the stream Vendina, follow trail 646B flanking the Crostolo river and return into the Sant'Antonio neighborhood. 

Route 2. Take the Matilde Cycling path towards south-west, passing through La Fornace and La Rocca hamlets. After having crossed the bridge on the Crostolo river and SS63, take the trail no. 644 and, shortly after, a small segment of trail 646, connecting with trail 646B, reaching the peak of Monte del Gesso. From here, where there was a castle (now a statue of the Virgin Mary), it is possible to admire a vast panorma of the Crostolo Valley. In order to going back to the starting point, take trail 644 towards north-east, continue on Via al Castello and Via Ruffilli. Cross the SS63 and take the Matilde Cycling path until the sports area.

Monte Duro Trail

Starting point: La Bettola, via Caduti della Bettola
Activities: trekking
Estimated time: 4-5 hours

Take trail no. 622 and enter the ZSC Area of Monte Duro. Reach Possione village and then continue on trails 622-622A towards Ca' Casino. Here we can notice among the contact points between clays and rocks, small water springs transforming in small streams. Climbing on the side of the mountain, our point of view can admire some dramatic sceneries of the valley, eye-reaching Canossa. We then aim to reach the peak of Monte Duro, passing through a Scotch Pines area, the scenic location of Muro del Diavolo (Wall of the Devil, the name is due to the peculiar rock formations). We then arrive on the peak of Monte Duro, whose impressive forest coverage has a great natural interest, and where we can observe the typical mudstone formations. In order to get back to the starting point, take the trail no. 622 towards north-west, crossing the Fosso della Possessione (Possession Creek), a wide and deep creek on the north side of the mountain. If you would like to shorten the trail, we can avoid the first segment from La Bettola to Possione, reaching by car the location of Ca' di Rosino.

experiences

• in the Monte Duro forest we can have "forest therapy", thanks to the precious pine essences and the high biodiversity of the area. The benefits of the forest therapy are internationally recognised with important studies and researches of the Scientific Committee of the Italian Alpine Club and Italian National Research Center. Contacts: Club Alpino Italiano - info@caireggioemilia.it; Azienda Agricola Ca' di Casino tel. 338 3736807 email bigliardi.v@gmail.com; FB Terapiaforestalemonteduro

• From March 1st to May 31st it is possible to pick and harvest wild asparagus on the territory of Vezzano. This is possible in selected areas, and always strictly regulated from the Communal Rulebook. It is compulsory for all to have regular pass, available in the communal offices or local shops. Contacts: Vezzano sul Crostolo Municipality - 0522 601911 www.comune.vezzano-sul-crostolo.re.it

• "Vezzano your valley!" (Vezzano la tua valle!) is a trekking program for all people interested and easy to do, discovering landscapes with experts of trekking and local history. These treks are organised by the local Administration, and are usually carried out from April to October. Contacts: Vezzano sul Crsotolo Municipality -  0522 601911 www.comune.vezzano-sul-crostolo.re.it

This project was created in cooperation with AITR, Pro Loco Albinea, Associazione Amici del Cea di Albinea, Gruppo Archeologico Albinetano Paolo Magnani, Gruppo Speleologico Paleantologico Gaetano Chierici, Associazione Teranga unde the patronage of Parchi Emilia Centrale and Club Alpino Italiano sezione di Reggio Emilia.