Emilia Romagna and the rolling hills of Reggio Emilia, here is an itinerary for a sunny day to stroll among the castles and ruins and enjoy a good homemade lunch.
What shall we do today? Sofa or stroll here and there where the wind takes us ?. For those who choose the second option, lazy Sundays are always the perfect opportunity to discover your land; yes, precisely that area where people have always lived and have always tended to underestimate, but which very often is richer than we can imagine.
And that's it, getting into the car and getting lost among the hills of Reggio nell'Emilia, that I too realized how much the hills I saw from my window could offer me. Here is a small itinerary you can take on a quiet sunny Sunday.
Bianello Castle
Starting from the small town of Quattro Castella, famous for the historical events that it hosts every spring, you can visit the Castello del Bianello, which has guarded its plain since the XNUMXth century. It is a building still intact, which entirely preserves the medieval structure, which can be visited thanks to the work of local guides who organize various tours: the ticket costs 5 euros, with various facilities for children, students and over 65. Furthermore, several paths depart from the castle which give the possibility to explore theLIPU Oasis of Bianello, which has been safeguarding the Reggio area for years: this is an opportunity to see and learn about the geological characteristics of our territory, and the curious gullies, which completely surround the hill on which the castle overlooks.
The Castle of Rossena and the Tower of Rossenella
Continuing on the hills, you soon come across another medieval vestige: the Castle of Rossena, so called for the Red earth used for its construction. An 5th century fortress, the nerve center for the control and supervision of the ancient territories of Countess Matilde di Canossa. Here too, it is possible to take a guided tour of the castle (the ticket costs 2002 euros, with various discounts for adults and children) to get to know the history and legends that surround it; it is also possible to sleep in the main tower, where in XNUMX a hostel with about fifty beds. Not far from Rossena, there is the small Tower of Rossenella, a guard point that can also be visited inside thanks to the recent restoration: an interesting construction, which from the top of its height offers breathtaking views.
The Castle of Canossa
Castello di Canossa is famous all over the world for being the setting for the diatribe between Emperor Henry IV and Pope Gregory VII, made peace thanks to the intervention of Countess Matilde. Today, however, only the ruins of this magnificent medieval construction remain, once a great castle and a very important court. Despite this, it is possible to visit these ruins thanks to free and guided visits (cost, 3,50 euros), which also give access to the “Naborre Campanini” Museum, dedicated to the archaeologist who studied the history of the Reggio area so much.
The village of Votigno
If you are not too tired yet, you cannot miss another fabulous surprise: immersed in the green of the Apennines, not far from Canossa, Votigno is a medieval village particularly suggestive and special. In fact, it hosts the Tibet house, a non-profit cultural center, dedicated to Tibetan culture: just think that in 1999 it was also visited by Dalai Lama, who dedicated a blessing to him. Votigno is thus a place for meditation, prayer or simply relaxation, immersed in the silence and tranquility of an unspoiled landscape. Not only that, it is also possible to visit the little one Tibet Museum, which preserves various objects of everyday life, of Tibetan religion and culture. The Museum is open on Sunday afternoons and is completely free.
bitter-sweet
Trattorias what a passion
After so much wandering and so much culture, it is obvious that the appetite starts to be felt! For this reason, there are many opportunities that can be found to savor the Emilian cuisine and its delicacies. A low cost place for lovers of game and mushrooms is certainly From Mandarein, in Salvarano di Montecavolo: one simple and rustic trattoria, without too many frills, where however porcini mushrooms and the most sought-after game are always accompanied by fresh homemade pasta, along with tortelli, cappelletti, polenta and lambrusco. A great way to end the day, after satisfying your eyes and palate.
