Castelnovo Ne' Monti: Pietra di Bismantova and History
Accommodation in Castelnovo Ne' Monti
Pietra di Bismantova as the landscape's focal point
The visible limestone plateau of Pietra di Bismantova is 1 km long, 240 m wide and 300 m higher than the surrounding plain. Its summit lies at 1,047 m above sea level. This distinctive rock formation therefore forms the landscape's focal point in Castelnovo Ne' Monti and provides a clear reference point for planning your visit.
File:Strada Provinciale 108 - Castelnovo ne' Monti, Reggio Emilia, Italy - June 9, 2019.jpg
Photo: Giorgio Galeotti via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Below Pietra di Bismantova is the Piazzale Dante car park; the summit can be reached via a path. The Benedictine hermitage is accessible on foot. This allows you to include the rocky summit and the religious site as separate destinations in your daily itinerary.
History in several layers
The Benedictine hermitage can be traced back to the first references dating from 1411. Since 1617, it has been a destination for pilgrims. For visitors interested in cultural history, this site brings together a specific location and two clearly dated milestones in its history.
The historic center of Castelnovo is medieval in origin and was recently restored. Monte Castello can be reached via a footpath from the historic center. The remains of a fortification from the time of Matilda of Canossa can be found on Monte Castello, including an old tower and remnants of the walls.
Campo Pianelli also leads back to eras far in the past. It contains a necropolis and traces of a Proto-Villanovan settlement from the Iron Age. The Campo Pianelli Archaeological Park is also a heritage area with links to the Bronze Age, where visitors can immerse themselves in the past.
Cultural sites for different interests
The Pieve di Campiliola is Romanesque in origin and was extensively altered at the end of the 17th century. The Teatro Bismantova hosts theater and concert events, films, conferences and literary presentations. The Centro Laudato Sì’ features a museum inspired by the themes of safeguarding creation and geology, as well as a library, a media library and a multipurpose center for cultural activities and visitors. This allows you to combine historic buildings with a varied cultural program.
Geology and hiking
The Triassic gypsum outcrops south of Bismantova, near the riverbed of the Secchia, offer a distinctive landscape experience. They lie between the mountains Rosso, Carù, Merlo, La Pianellina and Predale and feature cavities, sinkholes, swallow holes and crystals. More than 200 million years old, they are among the oldest rocks in the Apennines.
For a compact hike, the circular trail from the summit of Pietra di Bismantova and back is suitable. It is approximately 5 km long, has an elevation gain of about 250 m and takes 2 hours. The combination of distance, elevation gain and duration helps you fit this tour appropriately into your daily itinerary.
For further orientation, you will also find Castellazzo, San Bartolomeo, San Giovanni, Campegine, San Martino In Rio, San Donnino Di Liguria, Cavriago and Cecciola.
For the main travel overview: Reggio Emilia.
