Soliera: Culture, Festivals and Regional Cuisine on the Secchia
Accommodation in Soliera
Soliera lies on the western bank of the Secchia River and combines a distinctive historic centre with festivals, art, regional specialities and a designated cycling route. Castello Campori forms the town’s historic and architectural centrepiece.
File:Near Sozzigalli - Soliera, Italy - February 29, 2016.jpg
Photo: Giorgio Galeotti via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Castello Campori and Cultural Impressions
Castello Campori is Soliera’s historic and architectural landmark. A fortress was built within its grounds in the mid-15th century. Today, Castello Campori hosts exhibitions of contemporary art and photography.
The Biblioteca Campori is also housed in rooms within Castello Campori. These rooms were once the apartment of Marchese Campori. The Arti Vive Festival includes a children’s area with workshops in the courtyard of Castello Campori.
Churches and Works of Art
The parish church of San Giovanni Battista preserves a crucifix with Saints Filippo Neri, Francesco d’Assisi and Francesco Saverio. The work is attributed to the 17th-century Venetian painter Antonio Giarola from Verona. Another historical connection is associated with San Michele Arcangelo: the site was first mentioned in 1106 and contains a 15th-century fresco of the Madonna delle Grazie. This fresco was discovered in 1828 during masonry work.
Festivals and Flavours of Soliera
The Fiera di San Giovanni takes place every year around 24 June and is considered the most important date in Soliera’s calendar. It combines local history with culinary tradition. The Compagnia Balsamica organises the Fiera di Soliera on 24 June and distributes local products there, especially the typical Tortellone di Soliera. Guided tours of the Acetaia Comunale were planned for this fair.
The “tortellone balsamico” is considered a culinary landmark of Soliera. Another culinary perspective is offered by Il Profumo del Mosto Cotto, which takes place on the second or third weekend in October. During the event, grape must is cooked to produce traditional balsamic vinegar from Modena. The different dates and themes make local products an independent part of finding your way around Soliera.
Cycling along the Secchia
The Percorso Natura Secchia cycle path connects State Road 12 with Soliera via a simple iron bridge. Beyond Soliera, the Percorso Natura Secchia continues on a gravel cycle path towards Sozzigalli. This provides, alongside the historical and culinary themes, a specific route for a cycling trip. You can therefore consider cultural highlights and a cycling stage as different components of your travel planning.
Soliera thus offers a combination of local history, contemporary culture, regional flavours and activity along the Secchia.
Discover More Destinations
Further destinations you can discover afterwards: Campogalliano, Savignano Sul Panaro, Dogaro, San Prospero, Disvetro, Castelvetro Di Modena, Montecreto, Pievepelago.
To the higher-level travel overview: Modena.
