San Donnino Di Liguria between Garden Art and Rural History
Accommodation in San Donnino Di Liguria
San Donnino Di Liguria combines the character of a hamlet shaped by agriculture with historic gardens and villas, as well as a route through fields used for agriculture. The present-day name San Donnino di Longora, or San Donnino di Liguria, developed over time through the unification of the two places San Donnino and Longora. This makes the place an interesting destination for you if you would like to explore Italian history, architecture and rural landscapes in a less urban setting.
File:Torrente Tresinaro - San Donnino di Liguria, Casalgrande, Reggio Emilia, Italia - 19 Aprile 2025 05.jpg
Photo: Giorgio Galeotti via Source, CC BY-SA 4.0
Historic Garden and Protected Site
The Giardino Spalletti is a 33-hectare historic landscape garden dating from the second half of the 19th century. Its size and historical period give the garden a clear historical dimension, while the agricultural character of San Donnino Di Liguria defines its spatial context. The Parco di Villa Spalletti in San Donnino di Liguria is also protected by the Soprintendenza for its historical and artistic significance. Garden design, landscape and heritage protection therefore come together at one specific site.
Villa Spalletti Trivelli and Its History
Villa Spalletti Trivelli is a 17th-century villa that was renovated in the 19th century and today features an English garden. Its architectural history thus spans several periods: its construction in the 17th century was followed by renovation in the 19th century, while the English garden is now part of its appearance. An event from 1887 is also associated with the villa. During the Italian army's major manoeuvres, it hosted the King of Italy.
Music, Ceremonies and Guided Tours
Villa Spalletti Trivelli serves as a venue for music events and ceremonies. The Festival Mundus, a recurring concert series, also takes place in the Corte di Villa Spalletti in San Donnino di Liguria. The Spalletti Garden hosted guided tours as part of the event “Castelli matildici e corti reggiane”. These different uses range from music and ceremonies to guided visits, complementing the historic character of the place with cultural event experiences.
Between Reggio Emilia, Modena and the Secchia Cycle Route
The Corte di Villa Spalletti is located between Reggio Emilia and Modena. It is easily accessible from the A1 and A22 motorways, as well as from Mediopadana high-speed railway station. The Ciclovia del Fiume Secchia offers another perspective: it leads from Salvaterra through fields used for agriculture to the Corte Spalletti in San Donnino di Liguria.
Architecture in a Rural Setting
The Caseificio Spalletti also contributes to the architectural diversity of San Donnino Di Liguria. The building features architectural elements in the Neo-Gothic style. Together with the villa, the English garden and the historic landscape garden, it creates a place where you can observe different forms of Italian architecture and designed landscapes without losing the hamlet's agricultural character. San Donnino Di Liguria is therefore particularly suitable for planning a trip that takes culture, history, events and a rural cycling route into account side by side.
Other Places in the Area
Cadelbosco Di Sopra, Gualtieri, Lignano, Fabbrico, Regnano, Castelnovo Di Sotto, Cecciola and Sant'ilario D'enza
For the higher-level travel overview: Reggio Emilia.
