Motorcycling among the rolling hills of Reggio Emilia

It starts in Rubiera, a pleasant flat town along the historic Via Emilia, strategically located between Modena and Reggio Emilia and easily reached thanks to its proximity to the Brenner A1 highway.

An ideal starting point for an itinerary of slow and authentic discovery.

In the heart of the historic center, characterized by elegant porticoes that accompany the walk, one encounters the elegant Palazzo Sacrati, formerly owned by the Boiardo family and now home to the Town Hall. Continuing to the main square, one is struck by the majesty of the Fort of Rubiera, an imposing structure with four towers that once controlled access to the town.

Must-see

Don't miss a stop at the charming Corte Ospitale, a 15th-century monumental complex created to welcome pilgrims and wayfarers heading for the ford of the Secchia River. Even today it retains a unique charm made of history, hospitality and culture.

To know

It turns out that the Fort, once a defensive and strategic symbol, is now home to two renowned starred restaurants located opposite each other: a fascinating contrast between military past and contemporary haute cuisine.

We recommend taking time for an unhurried stroll under the downtown arcades, perhaps during the quieter hours of the day, to fully grasp the authentic atmosphere of the village and appreciate its architectural details.

From Rubiera, the true mototourism itinerary begins: we travel along quiet country roads such as Via del Torrente, Via Franceschini and Via Canaletto, immersing ourselves in the rural landscape until we reach Casalgrande, whose historic core lies south of the highway.

Tips

• Detour to the hamlet of Casalgrande Alto, where you can admire the remains of the ancient castle: an impressive 15th-century fortified courtyard with square towers, traces of battlements and defensive apparatus that tell of the area's medieval past.
• For those who love contemporary art, the area surprises with installations of great visual impact: along the via Pedemontana you will encounter the Casalgrande Ceramic Cloud, the first Italian work by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, and the Casalgrande Ceramic Crown, an imposing sculpture signed by Daniel Libeskind.

Not to be missed is the encounter between tradition and innovation: on one side the remains of the medieval castle, on the other the iconic contemporary sculptures that celebrate the area's ceramic vocation, making this a unique stop.

Technical data

• Section: from Rubiera to Casalgrande to Veggia
• Route: secondary lowland roads and sections on main roads
• Surface: asphalt in good condition
• Difficulty: easy, also suitable for less experienced mototourists

It is suggested to ride this section at a leisurely pace, taking advantage of the scenic stops and artistic traffic circles to take photographs and observe the details of the installations. Continuing, turn right onto Via Turati and then continue on Via Statale in the direction of the hamlet of Veggia, on the border with Sassuolo.

In just a few kilometers along Via Radici, you reach Castellarano,, a charming village overlooking the Secchia River, where history and landscape come together in a truly evocative glance.

In the heart of the village you will discover a rich historical heritage: the 15th-century Rocchetta di Castellarano, part of the Castelli del Ducato circuit, the castle and the scenic Castellarano Clock Tower. The medieval village can always be visited free of charge and invites a stroll through alleys and panoramic views. The authentic atmosphere of the historic center, tells the story of the area, with views opening onto the river and the first hills of Reggio Emilia.

To know

The Rocchetta, now a symbol of the town, was part of a strategic defense system along the Secchia River, fundamental for controlling traffic between the plains and the Apennines.

Visiting tips

From the center, take Via Manganella, beginning the ascent through the hills: curves and hairpin bends make the route particularly pleasant for those traveling on two wheels. When you reach the junction between Via Telarolo and Via San Valentino, you can choose between two different experiences:

• continue toward the Golf Club San Valentino, surrounded by greenery
• head toward Castellarano Cross Valley, a motocross track on clay soil where you can observe spectacular evolutions.

Events

Grape Festival - traditional September event celebrating the grape harvest with tastings of local wines, shows, photo exhibitions, historical procession, market, farmer's village, motor rally, vintage cars and entertainment for all ages

Useful info

The roads after the crossroads narrow to a single lane and pass through small towns and wide valleys, so careful driving is recommended, especially on the more exposed sections, to safely enjoy the scenery and the travel experience.

Traveling along Via San Valentino, it connects first to Via Montebabbio and then to Via Monte Evangelo, entering the town of Scandiano, where a scenic stop is almost a must.

Stops can be made at the Scandiano Hunting Club and at Monte delle Tre Croci, a natural terrace offering breathtaking views of the Reggio Emilia plain.

Leaving the bike behind, it is worth continuing on foot to the Great Oak, a symbol of the area and the perfect spot for taking souvenir photos surrounded by nature.

Must-sees

• The center of Scandiano offers the chance to visit the majestic Rocca dei Boiardo, a historic building of great cultural and architectural importance that tells centuries of local history.
• The view from Monte delle Tre Croci, which allows you to sweep from the plains to the foothills of the Apennines: an observation point that has always fascinated travelers, hunters and photography enthusiasts.

Events

• Festival Love - widespread summer event celebrating music, culture and entertainment with concerts, performances and social moments in the heart of Scandiano.
• Scandiano dei Fiori - spring event that transforms the historic center into an explosion of colors, markets, crafts and floral installations.
• St. Joseph's Fair - traditional March event with food stands, local products, attractions and shows for the whole family.

Useful info

When descending toward the center of Scandiano, pay attention, especially on the hairpin bends in the hamlet of Ventoso: the road offers scenic curves, but requires careful driving to safely enjoy the beauty of the landscape.

Once past the village of Borzano, turn onto Via dell'Uliveto and reach the hamlet of Montericco, where picturesque views open up amid fragrant lavandeti, ancient vinegar factories and the characteristic church, the first in Italy dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes.

From Montericco, take Via Castellana to descend toward the center of Albinea, an elegant town in the first hills of Reggio Emilia.

Highlights include historic villas built by Reggio's aristocratic families:

• Villa Moratti - stately home surrounded by greenery.
• Villa Tarabini Viganò - today home to the municipal Acetaia, guardian of the secrets of balsamic vinegar.
• Villa Calvi - elegant country residence.
• Villa Arnò - hosts an important jazz festival in July.
• Villa Sidoli-Rossi - historical witness of Italy's Risorgimento and World War II, with tales related to the Allied parachuting and the attack on the German commando.

Continuing toward the village of Broletto, along Via Albinea Chiesa, Via Monteiatico and Via Conte Re, you can visit other typical vinegar factories and taste food and wine products from the province of Reggio Emilia.

Don't miss

• Stroll through the lavender groves of Montericco, especially in June, for a unique sensory experience.
• Visit the Villa Tarabini Viganò municipal vinegar factory and taste traditional balsamic vinegar.
• Admire the views from the hills of Albinea, ideal for photographs or a relaxing break between nature and history.

Trivia

• The Montericco church was the first in Italy dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes, a symbol of devotion and religious architecture in the 19th century.
• Villa Sidoli-Rossi holds stories of Allied paratroopers during World War II, a historical link that few people know about.

Events

• Albinea Jazz - nationwide summer concerts, usually in July
• Ciccioli Balsamici - event dedicated to the gastronomic tradition of Reggio Emilia, with tastings of ciccioli balsamici and typical local products

After returning from the surrounding countryside and hills, the city of Reggio Emilia welcomes you with its historic center full of elegant squares, museums, monuments and lively corners to discover on foot, perfect for a cultural and gastronomic break before concluding the itinerary.

You can stroll through the historic center, including squares, museums and monuments such as:

• Church of the Ghiara - baroque sanctuary famous for Guercino's Crucifixion and works by Carracci, Tiarini and Spada, a symbol of 17th-century Emilian painting
• Church of San Prospero - dedicated to the city's patron saint, it preserves valuable architectural and decorative elements and remains the fulcrum of city devotion
• Tricolor Museum
• Romolo Valli Municipal Theater

To taste

Erbazzone reggiano, green and pumpkin tortelli, parmigiano reggiano, cappelletti in broth.

Events

• Fotografia Europea - international festival of contemporary photography that transforms the city into a widespread stage of exhibitions, installations, lectures, workshops and performances related to the theme of the edition
• Reggionarra - storytelling festival for children and families.
• Emergency Festival - cultural meetings and talks on peace and human rights.
• Giarèda - traditional September festival in honor of the Blessed Virgin of the Ghiara, which enlivens the historic center with markets of gastronomic products and handicrafts, shows, workshops, fruit, flower and vegetable exhibition-market and religious celebrations