The Reggiano Apennines are a mosaic of panoramic ridges, chestnut forests, timeless villages, and fortresses whispering stories of countesses and pilgrims. Within just a few kilometres, you can alternate hikes along scenic crests, visits to Romanesque parish churches steeped in centuries of faith, spectacular gypsum formations, and overnight stays in accommodations that embrace truly sustainable tourism. Here are five experiences not to miss if you want to breathe in the history and nature of the Reggiano Apennines.
1. The Matildic Castles: Carpineti and Rossena, at the Heart of Medieval History of the Reggiano Apennines
In the Reggiano Apennines, the Middle Ages are not just a memory: they remain a powerful, living presence among the Matildic castles, linked to the charismatic figure of Matilda of Canossa. One of the most fascinating is the Castle of Carpineti, a key stronghold of her medieval power.
Perched on a panoramic ridge, the castle dominates the valley like a stone guardian. Its strategic position made it a crucial element of the extensive defensive network established under Matilda. Walking through its paths, past ruined towers, ancient courtyards, and walls, means stepping straight into the 11th century, retracing the life of one of the most captivating figures in medieval Italy.
Not far away, the Castle of Rossena completes this medieval itinerary. Less famous than Canossa and Carpineti but equally atmospheric—and probably the best preserved—it is a perfect destination for travellers seeking lesser-known yet deeply evocative places. From both fortresses, the view opens wide over rolling hills, revealing a landscape that has remained almost unchanged for centuries.
2. Ancient Romanesque Parish Churches and the Magic of the Apennine Villages
Across the quiet landscapes of the Reggiano Apennines lie some of the region’s most enchanting artistic and spiritual treasures: the Romanesque parish churches, ancient stone buildings that have welcomed pilgrims, monks, and wayfarers for centuries. Here, architecture blends seamlessly with nature, creating a harmony that still captivates those walking through these valleys.
One of the most representative is the Pieve di San Vitale, an elegant example of Apennine Romanesque architecture, defined by clean lines and a perfect balance between form and spirituality. But the entire region is dotted with hidden gems: rural churches, oratories, baptisteries, and centuries-old parish churches that once served as essential landmarks along ancient routes linking the plains to the mountains.
These places of worship often rise within the historic villages of the Reggiano Apennines, where time flows slowl,y and tradition remains central. Among them are Carpineti, crowned by its imposing Matildic castle; Castelnovo ne’ Monti, whose old centre overlooks the unmistakable profile of the Pietra di Bismantova; Toano, home to the beautiful Pieve di Santa Maria Assunta; and Marola, known for its ancient Benedictine abbey nestled among forests and silence.
3. The Triassic Gypsum Formations: a Unique Geological Landscape in Italy
Few places in Italy can rival the natural spectacle of the Triassic Gypsum formations of the Reggiano Apennines. Here, 200-million-year-old geological structures rise like sculptures shaped by time. The landscape is defined by white ridges, sinkholes, ravines, and rock formations that resemble an otherworldly scene.
This geological complex—unique in Italy and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2023—tells the ancient story of a time when these rocks formed in a saline marine environment. Today, the Triassic Gypsum area provides an exceptional setting for hiking, photography, and exploration.
Among the most scenic routes is the Giro dei Gessi Triassici, a circular trail that touches the area’s most fascinating viewpoints. With its ascents, forest sections, and sweeping panoramas, it offers a direct encounter with the wild and ancient nature of the Apennines.
4. Nature Trails in the Reggiano Apennines, to Monte Valestra, Monte Fosola, and the Sella della Serra
For trekking enthusiasts, the Reggiano Apennines are a true paradise. We have selected three itineraries, each offering forests, silence, and unforgettable views.
• Monte Valestra: a Natural Balcony Over the Valley
The climb to Monte Valestra is one of the most beloved itineraries. Starting from the village of Valestra, the trail rises through woods and rocky outcrops where ancient marine fossils emerge. You reach the oratory of Santa Maria Maddalena, built above a natural cave known as the “Devil’s Hole”, before continuing to the summit of Monte Valestra, where Bronze Age artefacts were found. The descent follows the ridge to the oratory of San Michele, through ancient caves and spectacular viewpoints that weave together history, nature, and spirituality.
• Monte Fosola: a Forest Walk of Quiet Beauty
Lesser-known but wonderfully scenic, Monte Fosola offers a peaceful, almost meditative hike. The route begins at the Castle of San Pietro di Carpineti, passing through woodlands, panoramic ridges, and views over the valley. It continues towards the Pieve di San Vitale, a historic and spiritual landmark. Along the trail, geomorphological features create striking landscapes, while the descent through quiet forests completes an experience that blends nature, culture, and authenticity.
• Sella della Serra: Panoramic Crests and Endless Horizons
This ancient ridge route connects the Ponte di Cavola to the mountain villages, retracing a medieval path once leading to the ancient “hospitale” of San Giacomo. The trail climbs through vineyards, fields, and oak woods toward Cogliolla, opening onto remarkable views of the Monte Fosola–Carpineti Castle–Monte Valestra ridge. It continues through gullies, rural farmsteads, and cultivated landscapes, reaching the village of Savognatica, rich in late-medieval architecture. The final stretch leads to the Sella della Serra, descending towards Carpineti and crossing forests and rocky layers where Miocene fossils emerge.
5. An Eco-Friendly Stay in the Heart of the Woods of Reggiano Apennines: Tenuta Frascanera
To fully experience the spirit of the Reggiano Apennines, nothing beats a stay immersed in nature. Surrounded by seven hectares of untouched woodland and meadows, Tenuta Frascanera is a beautifully restored 19th-century stone farmhouse that blends rural charm with modern comfort. From its hilltop position, sweeping views open over the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines.
The two cosy and thoughtfully designed housing units accommodate up to ten guests and offer warm interiors, panoramic verandas, and a heated pool nestled among the woods. Here, every stay becomes an experience: outdoor yoga and holistic activities, walks among centuries-old oaks, convivial moments under the porch, and time in the estate’s organic farm. Just minutes from authentic villages like Valestra and the great Apennine landscapes, the property offers total privacy, pristine nature, and sustainable hospitality that turns a simple holiday into a return to what truly matters.
The Reggiano Apennines are more than a destination. They are an experience to be embraced slowly, allowing their ancient history, intense landscapes, and warm, eco-friendly hospitality to unfold. Whether you explore Matildic castles, walk among unique geological formations, or rest in the quiet of the woods, you will return home with the feeling of having discovered a truly special place.
Tenuta Frascanera - Casale con piscina nel bosco – Green Country House in Carpineti, RE, Emilia-Romagna, IT 
