Zappolino: Castle History and Routes through the Valsamoggia

Zappolino Between Castle, History and Routes

Zappolino can be explored through its architectural history, a historic battle and routes through the surrounding area. Medieval traces, rural architecture and routes connecting Zappolino with its surroundings offer several thematic points of interest.

From the Former Castle to Literary History

The former castle of Zappolino dates back to the 13th century and had a perimeter of 950 metres. The Case Rosse palace dates from the 15th century; the Case Rosse has an elegant loggia on the upper floor. Both buildings offer different ways of accessing the historical layers of the area.

The historic battle associated with Zappolino took place in 1325 between troops from Modena and Bologna. More precisely, it took place in the area of Prati di Soletto. Alessandro Tassoni's 1616 poem “La Secchia rapita” was inspired by this battle. For those interested in literature, Tassoni's poem also provides a specific link to the Battle of 1325 and to the literary treatment of this historic battle. The event's significance thus extends from regional history into literature.

Architecture Around Zappolino

From Zappolino, you can follow Via Valle del Samoggia towards Savigno to see typical fortified houses dating from the 14th century. These buildings were erected for defensive purposes at strategic locations. Those interested in medieval architectural forms will find the former castle in Zappolino; the typical fortified houses dating from the 14th century, on the other hand, are located along Via Valle del Samoggia towards Savigno. Their location is therefore just as much part of their historical significance as their architectural form.

The Church of Sant'Antonio stands on the hill of Zappolino. Ca Bertù, a rural complex of stone buildings, is also located in the area around Zappolino. These two places broaden the perspective on Zappolino to include religious architecture and rural building culture.

Circular Route and Historic Trail

A cultural circular route from Bersagliera via Zappolino and back to Bersagliera is dated 25 July 2021 and is approximately 4.5 kilometres long. The route connects the area through a clearly defined loop and includes Zappolino both on the outward leg and in connection with the return to Bersagliera. For rough day planning, the approximate length of around 4.5 kilometres can be used as a factual guideline; the route starts and ends in Bersagliera and passes through Zappolino in between.

The Piccola Cassia crosses the Valsamoggia and has been rediscovered and made accessible as a historic route.

The former castle and the history of the battle lead into historical themes; the Case Rosse palace, the fortified houses on Via Valle del Samoggia and Ca Bertù add architectural highlights. The circular route and the Piccola Cassia complement this focus with different connections to the surrounding paths.

For further travel planning, you can also compare Sassoleone, Sasso Marconi, Rioveggio, Castello D'argile, Medicina, Budrio, Gaggio Montano and Pianoro.

For the broader travel overview: Bologna.