Cammino dei Tesori del Reno

The Cammino dei Tesori del Reno is an 85 km circular route that winds through the breathtaking landscapes of the Bolognese Apennines, offering an immersive experience of history, nature and art.

The route consists of 6 stages for hikers and 3 stages for e-bike enthusiasts, starting and finishing in Vergato. The trails, well signposted and marked by the CAI (Italian Alpine Club), are also suitable for less experienced walkers. Two railway stations along the route offer the possibility to tailor the itinerary to suit your needs.

The stages:

1. From Vergato to Grizzana Morandi

The trail begins in Vergato, climbing along CAI trail 174. It crosses fields and the provincial road at Cà Piretti, offering panoramic views of the Reno valley and Corno alle Scale. It then continues through the Monte Sole Regional Park to Grizzana Morandi, where you can visit the places associated with the painter Giorgio Morandi: the Fienili del Campiaro (Campiaro Barns) and his House-Museum.

2. From Grizzana Morandi to Riola

From Grizzana Morandi, continue along the CAI 100 trail on to the Monument to South African Fallen Soldiers of the Second World War. Walking along the ridge with views of the Reno and Setta valleys, you reach the Vigo and Montovolo mountains, a place steeped in mystery and home to the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of Consolation and the Oratory of St. Catherine of Alexandria. The descent towards Riola is an opportunity to admire the village of Campolo and the ancient cluster of houses in the village of La Scola. Shortly before reaching your destination, you can admire the mysterious Rocchetta Mattei and the evocative Church of Alvar Aalto, a masterpiece of 20th-century architecture.

3. From Riola to Castel d’Aiano

Leaving Riola, the trail runs close to the Tarot Museum and the medieval fortress of Costonzo. Consider making a detour to visit the Soprasasso Caves along your way. Continuing along the trail, you will reach the waterfalls of the Labante Caves. The arrival at Castel d’Aiano winds through oak woods, chestnut groves and porcini mushroom patches visible in late spring and late summer.

4. From Castel d’Aiano to Rocca di Roffeno

This stage follows the ridges where the Gothic Line was located during the Second World War. After visiting the military observatory on Monte della Spe’, you descend into the Vergatello valley and reach Santa Lucia, with its ancient abbey and Museum of Rural Life. The itinerary continues to the ancient village of Lamari and the summit of Mount Rocca, where you can enjoy a breathtaking view. The stage ends in Rocca di Roffeno, where you can explore the historic tower houses.

5. From Rocca di Roffeno to Cereglio

The fifth stage provides an immersion in open-air art, with over one hundred works including paintings and sculptures. Starting from Rocca di Roffeno, the route heads towards Pieve di Roffeno, then on to Tolè, the village of widespread art and fountains. The route continues towards the alpine chapel of the Madonna della Neve and the restored German trenches, then descends gently through woods and fields to the town of Cereglio.

6. From Cereglio to Vergato

The last stage takes you back to Vergato, closing the loop. It runs from Cereglio through the village of Suzzano and the woods of Monte Pero, where wild peonies and orchids can be seen in full bloom. Here you can also witness the trenches and fortified positions from the Second World War. The walk ends with a descent towards the church of Liserna and the historic centre of Vergato.

Always check the official website for updates on special events and any changes to the route.