PLACES TO VISIT

The symbol of the town of Reggio Emilia, an enchanted and iconic place, is the Pietra di Bismantova. A magical, almost sacred mountain, it is an enormous rocky mass, visible even from long distances, with the shape of an isolated massif on top of which is a vast grassy plateau of 12 hectares.

At the foot of the Pietra is a Benedictine hermitage set in the rock and a place of pilgrimage since 1617. Immersed in the green gardens of Bagnolo is the Palazzo Ducale, built by the Este family as a symbol of their dominion over these territories. Today the Ducal Palace houses a branch of the Municipality, but the gardens are a popular destination for families and children.

Recently renovated and of medieval origin is instead the historic centre of Castelnovo ne’ Monti, where you can admire splendid views.

THE CUISINE

If you visit Castelnovo ne’ Monti, you must try the gnocco fritto with salami. It is a dough very similar to bread which is fried, swelling but remaining soft inside. It is served with local cheeses and cured meats.

Obviously, as is the case throughout Emilia-Romagna, fresh egg pasta is also traditional: try tortelli filled with potatoes and mixed garden herbs, served with butter and Parmesan cheese or with a sauce made from local porcini mushrooms.

HISTORY

Today considered the capital of the Reggio Emilia’s Apennines, Castelnovo ne’ Monti has medieval origins. The name originates from the castle built on the network of three hills that enclose the town, now an archaeological site that can be visited inside a pine forest.

At the foot of the castle rose the first inhabited nucleus of the town, while about one kilometre from the historic centre rose the Pieve, of medieval origin, which has been restored several times over the centuries. Near the Pietra di Bismantova in ancient times there was a castle, which unfortunately later collapsed together with the rocky ridge on which it was built.

The presence of human settlements dates back to the Bronze Age, as evidenced by the remains found in Campo Pianelli. However, it is not until the 11th century that written documents begin to appear with any continuity.

The hamlet of Felina, aggregated to the municipality in 1859, is instead attested for the first time in 870 when it became the private property of a close relative of Emperor Ludovico II. Following the vicissitudes of the Matildic family, Felina maintained an important role for centuries and in its territories stood a castle of which today only a tower called “Il salame” remains. Here, in 1409, Michele Attendolo Sforza put the head of the Parma enemy Ottobono Terzi on a pike.

THE PERSONALITY

According to tradition, the Pietra di Bismantova inspired Dante’s Purgatory, so much so that the Supreme Poet cited it in the fourth canto of his Purgatory. In all probability Dante, whose 700th death anniversary falls this year, visited these places personally in 1306, on his way to Padua from Lunigiana.