Fanano between Monte Cimone, nature and stone tradition
Accommodation in Fanano
Fanano at the foot of Monte Cimone
Fanano lies at the foot of Monte Cimone, whose summit reaches 2,165 metres. The municipality extends across elevations ranging from 600 to 2,165 metres above sea level. Elevation plays a role in planning a day in Fanano, as destinations between the town area and the summit region are not at the same altitude.
Regional park, biosphere reserve and raised bog
A large part of the area lies within the Alto Appennino Modenese Regional Park; a significant part of the municipality also belongs to the UNESCO Appennino Tosco-Emiliano Biosphere Reserve. The natural area includes Lago Pratignano, the largest raised bog in Emilia-Romagna, at an elevation of 1,307 metres; when planning a tour there, this elevation is part of the specific day’s itinerary planning.
Stone sculptures and historic buildings
The Museo all’aperto di Scultura su Pietra comprises more than 230 works created in Fanano by artists from around the world since 1983. Individual buildings also shape the town’s history: the Torre dell’Orologio, also known as Torre di San Rocco, has stood in Piazza Marconi since the 17th century and is still wound by hand today. Palazzo Lardi was built in 1340 and features elements of Florentine architecture.
The stone-working tradition in Fanano dates back to antiquity; reliably dated worked stones come from the Roman era. The historic Via Romea also points to older connections: in the early Middle Ages, it linked Nonantola and Fanano via a network of pilgrimage routes used by travellers on their way to Rome or returning from there.
Hiking, mountain biking and winter sports
For active days, there are dozens of trails marked by the Club Alpino Italiano. They enable hiking and trekking at all levels of difficulty. On the trails in Fanano marked by the Club Alpino Italiano, the desired level of difficulty can be decisive, as they are not limited to a uniform level of challenge. Former trans-Apennine routes and forestry service roads in Fanano are suitable for mountain-bike tours. Fanano is also part of the Monte Cimone ski area, which offers 50 kilometres of interconnected slopes accessible with a single electronic ski pass.
Getting to Fanano
From the railway stations in Modena and Bologna, Fanano can be reached by public transport via intercity bus, either directly or with a change in Vignola or Pavullo. By car, routes from the Modena Sud and Bologna Casalecchio motorway exits lead to Fanano via Vignola and the Fondovalle Panaro road. From Pistoia and Lucca, the SS 324 leads via Porretta Terme to the town.
Mountain cuisine of the Apennines
The mountain-cuisine tradition of the villages in the Apennines includes Crescentine, Borlenghi and Ciacci. It is complemented by the artisan-produced Croccante del Frignano, prepared according to a traditional recipe.
More destinations for planning your trip to Italy
Frassinoro, Querciagrossa, Ponte Gombola, Ca Di Sola, Fiumalbo, Montefiorino, Carpi and San Cesario Sul Panaro.
To the overview of the wider travel region: Modena.
