Vezzano sul Crostolo between hiking trails and Matildic history
Accommodation in Vezzano sul Crostolo
Hiking trails and Matildic history
Vezzano sul Crostolo combines routes through the landscape with visible traces of a long local history. In the town centre and the surrounding hamlets, several tower houses dating from the 15th century can still be seen. In Montalto, traces of the medieval history of the Canossa family have been preserved. On the grounds of the Chiesa vecchia di Montalto stand the remains of a church consecrated in 1172 and demolished in 1959, along with a 17th-century bell tower, an enclosing wall and an access staircase leading to the church square.
File:Snags - Vezzano sul Crostolo, Reggio Emilia, Italy - April 4, 2025 01.jpg
Photo: Giorgio Galeotti via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Routes for hikers and cyclists
The Via Matildica del Volto Santo 4 leads from Reggio Emilia to Castello di Canossa through the centre of Vezzano and continues via the cycle and pedestrian route to the EcoParco di Vezzano. The first section of the Cammino di San Pellegrino runs from the Chiesa di San Pellegrino in Reggio Emilia to Montalto in Vezzano sul Crostolo. The route is divided into five stages and is approximately 120 kilometres long in total. It was designed so that it can be travelled almost entirely by mountain bike; 95 percent of it is suitable for bicycles.
The Vezzano sul Crostolo area is served by an extensive network of hiking trails. The Anello Vezzano-Pecorile circular route connects dense oak forests, impressive views of the calanchi and stone villages. A historical, cultural and religious route leads from Vezzano to Canossa and offers an alternative route to Montalto.
Nature along the Crostolo
The Natura 2000 site IT4030017 includes the Gessi di Vezzano on the right bank of the Crostolo. At the Torrente Crostolo, the waters are enclosed by steep walls of Pliocene blue clay; this clay contains numerous marine fossils. Monte Duro is covered by an extensive woodland formation of great natural-historical and scenic interest, preserving numerous botanical and faunal features. The probably existing spring at Casa Casino on Monte Duro offers hikers an important place to stop and rest.
Villages, buildings and local festivals
Cavazzone is a rural complex of considerable architectural and historical interest, with a long portico, a defensive tower possibly dating from the 15th century and an oratory dedicated to the Annunciation. Riolo preserves a 14th-century fountain and two towers incorporated into the central row of houses in the village. Casa Rosini has an imposing 16th-century tower and a smaller 15th-century tower. Casa Caprari preserves significant architectural and pictorial traces of a 15th-century building identified as the former Oratory of the Visitation.
The Sagra di San Lorenzo in Montalto is a regular local festival with food stalls, exhibitions and musical entertainment held between 8 and 11 August. The Festa dell'Asparago Selvatico takes place on the first Sunday in May and includes tastings, food stalls and a market selling typical food products. On the second Sunday in November, the Fiera di San Martino brings together a special market, exhibitions, handicrafts, musical entertainment and an amusement park.
More destinations for planning your trip
Castelnovo Ne' Monti, Novellara, Canossa, San Polo D'enza, Casina, Gattatico, Casale, Castellarano
To the higher-level travel overview: Reggio Emilia.
