Cerredolo between river landscapes, architectural heritage and history

Cerredolo lies at the confluence of the Dolo stream and the Secchia River. Here, you will find a destination that is best explored through specific places and experiences: from the parish church to La Valle di Cerredolo and a woodland path with a chapel.

Parish Church and Historic Architectural Features

Cerredolo is documented as early as a record from 1173. A prominent landmark in the town is the parish church, which was consecrated in 1928. Its façade features dressed and hewn stone. Above the entrance portals are three niches with frescoes of saints. The floor plan also makes the church’s architecture easy to define precisely: it has three naves, five bays and a semicircular apse.

In La Valle di Cerredolo, you will encounter further historic details. There you will find a hexagonal Oratory of Saint Apollonia dating from the 17th century. A courtyard in La Valle has a stone, round-arched entrance portal; a coat of arms is set into the keystone. A Balchio can also be seen in one of La Valle’s houses. These individual details give the town an architectural and cultural depth that is not limited to a single building.

Woodland Path and Remembrance

Those wishing to explore Cerredolo along a route with historical significance can take the Sentiero della Pasqua di Sangue. Through the forest, it follows the markers of Partisan Trail No. 13, or SP 13 for short, and leads to a chapel. On the outward journey, the Sentiero della Pasqua di Sangue runs from Corbella back to Cerredolo.

Cerredolo’s historical memory also includes an event from the Second World War. Between 3 and 5 May 1944, partisans attacked the GNR base located in a granary in Cerredolo and killed twelve militiamen.

Theatre Tradition in the Toanese Area

Cerredolo is one of the places in the Toanese area associated with the Maggio Drammatico. This is a form of folk theatre typical of the upper Apennines of Modena and Reggio. The dialect theatre group Il Buffone di Corte also comes from Cerredolo and takes part in the Rassegna del Teatro Dialettale dell’Appennino Reggiano. Those interested in culture can therefore understand the town not only through its buildings, but also through a regional theatrical tradition and the local dialect stage.

The Beer Music Festival in Cerredolo di Toano was held every summer for more than two decades. For your travel planning, this information is primarily of interest as part of the town’s event history. To travel from Toano to Cerredolo, take the SP 8 and follow the signs to Cerredolo.

More Destinations for Planning Your Trip to Italy

If you would like to include Cerredolo alongside other places in your travel itinerary, you can also explore Bagnolo In Piano, Fogliano, Gaida, Casalgrande, Canossa, Ligonchio, Praticello and Toano.

For the main travel overview: Reggio Emilia.