Regnano between mud volcanoes, hiking trails and church history
Accommodation in Regnano
Regnano is aimed at travelers who want to get to know a destination through unusual natural phenomena and tangible historical evidence. Geological observation, hiking trails and churches from different periods come together here to create a varied setting for an individually planned trip to Italy.
File:Salse di Regnano - Regnano, Viano, Reggio Emilia, Italy - January 23, 2022.jpg
Photo: Giorgio Galeotti via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
The Salse di Regnano and their distinctive geology
The Salse di Regnano are a geological feature of the area. Clay cones resembling small volcanoes are located on a thick layer of mud. They form because gaseous and liquid hydrocarbons such as methane and petroleum rise from underground through water-bearing layers to the surface. Anyone who wants to experience natural processes in a vivid way will find a clearly defined subject for their stay here.
Hiking trails with different route profiles
The Sentiero naturalistico del Querciolese is a circular trail that passes through Regnano. Among other places, it leads to the Salse di Regnano, one of its areas of natural interest. The Salse can also be reached via the long-distance hiking trail Sentiero dei vulcani di fango. The Sentiero Spallanzani reaches Regnano after descending into the Rio Faggiano and passes by the Salse. The three trails therefore have different focuses: circular trail, long-distance hiking trail and stage route.
The first stage of the Sentiero dei Vulcani di fango from the Salse di Regnano to Valle del Rio Rocca is 29 km long. In addition, the Via dei Vulcani di Fango includes mud volcanoes in the hamlets of Regnano and Casola Querciola in the municipality of Viano. The route length helps you choose a suitable day plan.
Church history in Regnano
The old Chiesa di S. Prospero Vescovo in Regnano is part of the area’s cultural history. It was consecrated in 1151 and dedicated to Saint Prospero. The present building was begun in 1856 and blessed in 1858. Thus, this church reflects an early consecration and the creation of the present building in different centuries.
The Chiesa di S. Prospero Vescovo contains an organ from the last quarter of the 17th century, attributed to the Traeri organ-building workshop. Another historical trace leads to Cà Bertacchi di Regnano: the original Church of San Prospero was abandoned at the beginning of the 17th century after repeated landslides severely damaged it, and it was rebuilt a short distance away.
Other places in the area
For orientation in the surrounding area, the Fontana del Pilastro on the road between Regnano and San Giovanni Querciola collects a mineral-water spring and a sulfur-water spring. The Salse di Casola Querciola, also in the vicinity of Regnano, was prepared for visitors in 2015. A path bordered by posts runs lengthwise through the entire area; protective railings have been installed around the most important active vents.
Accommodation suited to your travel interests
When choosing a hotel in Regnano, you can use your travel interests as a guide: the trails and mud volcanoes represent nature and routes, while the Chiesa di S. Prospero Vescovo and the original church of Cà Bertacchi represent different historical connections.
Other destinations
Other destinations to choose from: Toano, Viano, Albinea, Collagna, Rubiera, Campegine, Quattro Castella, Castellazzo.
For the overarching travel overview: Reggio Emilia.
