Ten cycling routes within the parks and nature reserves of Emilia- Romagna, BICYCLE SERVICE Degree of difficulty: low to Parco Fluviale Ciclovia del Technical data which allow you to enjoy wonderful landscapes in the hills and plains while dis- This guide doesn’t provide a list of Regionale medium depending on the conditions covering not only the beauty of nature and the environment, but also history and service points because the proper ones dello Stirone of the ground in the stretch, more or architecture. These routes are intended for all cycling enthusiasts, but also for the (bicycle mechanics) are located in the less muddy, on the Trebbia riverbed, Protected areas: less experienced cyclists. They are mapped out with varying degrees of difficulty cities, and therefore where the routes The Trebbia bicycle path is charac- willows, in practice on flood bed ter- and taking into account that the and can be ridden for the most part by mountain bike, but in some cases also with start, while possible “minimal” assist- Ciclovia terised by a remarkable diversity of races never reached by the floods, but Trebbia Regional River Park length is not negligible. a normal bicycle. The technical data provided for each bicycle route describes all ance (from the tyre pump to the classic dello Stirone environments. It starts by crossing a stone’s throw from the braided blue Length: about 50 km without Additional information: relevant information in order to choose the most appropriate itinerary: length, screwdriver) can be found almost eve- the urban environment of the historic Trebbia meandering among the peb- detours Provincia di Piacenza gradient, degree of difficulty, travel time and useful contacts. The different bicycle rywhere. This notwithstanding, during centre of Piacenza: once you’ve left the bles. After the advisable visit to the vil- Gradient: Corso Garibaldi 50, Piacenza routes are also accessible by train with a path “to the park” marked by specific each ride of this kind each biker must railway station you ride cobblestone- lage of Rivalta you return to the bridge 300 m Tel. (+39) 0523 795480 signage, which departs from the nearest railway station and arrives at the gates of be self-sufficient at least when dealing paved streets, largely pedestrian or over the Trebbia to undertake a second Travel time: one day [email protected] the protected area. Trenitalia provides the bike on board service for a small extra with normal puncture cases and ele- without much in the way of traffic, ring, all on country roads, heading to Cycling among Romanesque churches and live- Roveleto Landi and Pieve Dugliara, www.parchidelducato.it fee of 3.5 euros. Before leaving it is advisable to check out the timetables, prices mentary repairs, which means bringing and conditions on: www.trenitalia.com. along the normal equipment any bicy- ly squares. You then leave the city cen- up to Rivergaro. Here we recommend cle for suburban tours ought to be pro- tre in a southerly direction, towards a possible stop on the verdant river- through vided with. The bike bag should always the hills, crossing the very green sub- side before resuming the way back, Helpful hints include a medication kit (plasters, dis- urban environment on the protected always on the right bank of the Treb- infectant and personal medicines). bike path. A beautiful itinerary allows bia. The itinerary is pleasantly varied the Parks WHICH BICYCLE TO USE? you to safely reach the village of Gos- among small white streets, old mills, Guide to the bicycle paths In principle, any mountain bike is fine, and solengo, then, a short stretch inevita- more canals, vegetable gardens and for riding along some paths even the city bly to the side of the busy provincial the “wilder” river-bank environments, through the protected bike will do: at most, in the few trouble IMPORTANT NOTES road leads you to the large bridge over with riparian thickets, shrubs, stony areas of Emilia-Romagna spots, you will have to get off the bicycle and It is recommended to comply with the Trebbia, after which you follow a and sunny soils where you can spot walk for a few metres. The highly-trained the rules of the road and wear protec- first ring on the shore, on the left bank, the uncommon stone curlews, the little biker will not even need clarifications, and tive equipment and clothing that can below the castle Rivalta. This is the ringed plovers, or the other shy birds, yet one should treasure the golden rule ensure the well-being necessary to river environment, where you ride on which inhabit the riverbed that says to go slowly, even in relatively ride safely. Also keep in mind that even a trail through the sparse poplars and easy routes like these, where, by the way, though you are riding along bicycle there are steep descents that are potentially lanes, the presence of hikers walking treacherous, especially if unpaved. Those is very likely: indeed, they are the ones who ride fast will gain only a few seconds, who always have right of way. and risk falling, maybe getting hurt seriously, whereas those who ride leisurely are sure to Editorial coordination Carrega Woods regional park: Angelo Vanini have real fun. The castle of Rivalta. Luciano Prazzoli Regione Emilia-Romagna Taro regional river park: Michele Zanelli Trebbia Servizio Parchi e Risorse forestali natural reserve “Detention basin Viale della Fiera 8 - 40127 of the Secchia River”:Giuliano Pozzi Regional River Park Tel. (+39) 051 5276080 Sassi di Roccamalatina regional park: Fax (+39) 051 5276957 Giovanni Savini [email protected] Monte Sole regional historical park: The Parco Fluviale del Trebbia is the latest park set up by the Region. The protected http://ambiente.regione.emilia-romagna.it/ Riccardo Bassi area extends in the plains, from where the Trebbia River flows into the River (just ambiente/parchi-natura2000/ Abbazia di Monteveglio regional park: north of Piacenza) up to upstream of Rivergaro, for a total area ​​of 4,049 hectares. The Filippo Gardini, Raffaella Leonelli environment is typically fluvial, with a bed of pebbles, very large and heavily influenced Gessi Bolognesi e Calanchi dell’Abbadessa Aree protette dell’Emilia-Romagna by seasonal water flow, which sees periods of prolonged drought, with the river divided regional park: Enrico Angelini, into a thousand dynamic rivulets, alternating with rainy phases where the water body Lucia Montagni Edited by Vena del Gesso Romagnola regional park: becomes compact, laps and submerges the riparian thickets of willow shrubs, which in Enzo Valbonesi, Monica Palazzini Luca Catani, Massimiliano Costa fringe areas and deeper grounds give way to patches of trees. These are environments and Maria Vittoria Biondi of relevant natural value, important points of reference for migratory birds. Provincia di : Roberto Ori Texts Servizio Parchi e Risorse forestali: Sandro Bassi Antonella Lizzani, Stefania Vecchio Servizio mobilità urbana e trasporto locale: Translation Fabio Formentin, Paola Bassi Russell Bekins and Silvia Rambaldi FIAB-Federazione Italiana Amici Cover photo della Bicicletta:Umberto Rovaldi, The vast bed of Trebbia. Angelo Battaglia Milko Marchetti Claudio Pedroni. Maps - Route mapping: Graphic design and layout Francesco Corte with Fabrizio Colacino Francesca Palladini - StudioUndici StudioUndici Largo Ghibellini 17, Pavullo (MO ) Largo Ghibellini 17, Pavullo (MO ) www.studioundici.net www.studiounidici.net Printed by Contributors La Tipolitografia Salsese S.C.a.R.L. Trebbia regional river park: Via G. Magnaghi,1 Adalgisa Torselli, Gabriele Santacroce 43039 Salsomaggiore Terme (PR) Stirone e Piacenziano regional river park: www.tipografiasalsese.it Stefano Porta, Sergio Tralongo August 2014

Federazione Italiana Environmental Emergency Carabinieri (National Police) Health Emergency Fire Department Amici della Bicicletta www.corpoforestale.it www.carabinieri.it

Technical data Gradient: 100 m to get to Trabucchi; Technical data Travel time: half day Technical data Travel time: half day 300 m if you also go to Vigoleno, Additional information: Additional Information: Ciclovia dello Stirone another 100 m to Salsomaggiore Ciclovia del Taro Ciclovia Boschi di Carrega Protected areas: Protected areas: Park centre Corte Giarola, Protected areas: Park centre “Casinetto” Stirone e Piacenziano Regional Degree of difficulty: moderate Taro Regional River Park Strada Giarola 11 Carrega Woods Regional Park Via Olma 2, Sala Baganza, River Park to Trabucchi; average in other cases loc. Pontescodogna - Collecchio Tel. (+39) 0521 836026 Even though it isn’t difficult, the bicy- want to take according to seasonal The bike path Taro is composed of two where you turn left to close the ring Length: about 20 km the first The Carrega bike path unfolds in a the park, at the end of the side street Length: about 20 km Length: 42 km the entire itinerary, because of length and gradient. route and about 6 km the second Tel. (+39) 0521 802688 (including the detour to Talignano) info.boschi-carrega@ cle route Stirone goes up the valley of variables. After leaving from Fidenza different routes, which are physically passing through Gaiano. Here, possibly, [email protected] typical forest landscape and you may via Conventino. A strip of asphalt skirts parchiemiliaoccidentale.it which can be travelled in both Travel time: one day the ciclovia dei the stream for a long time, on a pleas- railway station and crossing the town distinct but complementary. If desired, you may connect with Gradient: minimal www.parchidelducato.it ride on it all year round, even in the around the Forest of Capannella and Gradient: 200 m www.parchidelducato.it directions. If you do not go up to Boschi di Carrega (bike path Carrega antly varied itinerary with some quite historic centre, in the “Luce” suburban Additional information: they may be ridden one after the other. hottest summer, thanks to the preva- goes uphill with two hairpin bends to Vigoleno subtract 7 km. If you are Woods) Degree of difficulty: low in the Degree of difficulty: low if one Notes: At the Casino dei Boschi rough stretches (narrow passages, district you reach the right bank of Visitor centre and nature museum You start from the Collecchio railway . The environment is always Notes: possibility to rent mountain lence of cool and shady stretches. We the straight road where you turn right using the railway line Fidenza- first route (roads and little roads, is always on the main path, almost there is a mountain bike rental sharp turns on ground which is stony the Stirone River, which will guide the loc. Scipione Ponte 1 station and, after crossing the centre of rural, without traffic, between hedges, bikes at the Corte di Giarola are at about fifteen kilometres south onto a dirt road that leads quickly to or with holes, roots, etc.). The land- route. A detour on small roads without Salsomaggiore subtract 10.5 km. town, you go south along the old Cisa with rows of mulberry trees and iso- paved or gravelled) and medium of Parma, on ancient river terraces the Casino dei Boschi, a magnificent all paved, average if you make variants managed by the park. Deviations result in differences of Salsomaggiore Terme in the second (trails and a little (also open on Sundays) on forest roads (not recommended scape goes from the expanses of fields traffic allows you to bypass the conflu- Tel. (+39) 0524 581139 State road for a couple of kilometres, lated oak or walnut trees between the between Baganza and Taro that have residence of the Dukes of Parma nes- interspersed with rows of large trees ence of the river Ghiara, after which some kilometres without significant turning right onto secondary roads up fields. The second loop also starts from bumpier tracks, though not difficult) always been covered with forests of tled in a nineteenth century garden- after heavy rains because of the mud) gradients. info.stirone-piacenziano@ (oak, mulberry), to the hilly forests you go back up to the side of the riv- parchiemiliaoccidentale.it to Corte Giarola, the monumental com- Corte Giarola but winds near the Taro great natural value as well as histori- park that now houses the visitor centre that cover the hills of Vigoleno, pass- erbed until Scipione Ponte, near the www.parchidelducato.it plex of great historical and architec- and the ancient canals that branch off cal, touristic and recreational signifi- of the park. You proceed southbound, ing through the Stirone river environ- park visitor centre. Other sections of tural charm, as well as the park head- from the main body of water, in river cance. These are the ancient hunting still on asphalt but in an environment ment, enclosed between steep escarp- the route, on the path a short distance quarters and visitor centre, where one environment proper (woods, thickets, grounds of the Farnese family, the which becomes more and more that ments and always dotted with willows from the riverbed, lead to the village of can also rent bicycles. The first route rocky environments of gravel bed), on Bourbons and then finally (in the early of a forest, up to the 300 metres in and poplars. Watching the flight of the Trabucchi. By now you are in the upper is rather easy, all on flat terrain, along a path with natural ground, which is twentieth century) purchased by the altitude of Mount Castione, “turning colourful bee-eaters or observing the course, where you can embark on the quiet rural roads that wind their way flat, yet pleasantly varied and more Carrega Princes. The Woods are com- point” of our itinerary. From this point fossils make it an even more excit- final climb to Vigoleno, a hilltop village south (upstream) touching the monas- “adventurous”. You’ll need to pay a lit- posed of mixed deciduous forests to onwards you’ll ride downhill between ing excursion. There is no shortage with ancient buildings made of the tic building of Oppiano, an ancient tle attention to some sudden changes which, over time, exotic species have chestnut forests until Talignano from of interesting historical monuments warm and yellowish local sandstone. stopping point for pilgrims crossing the of direction, some relatively narrow been added for ornamental purposes, where you can reach the Romanesque in the urban sections of the route The itinerary then continues on ordi- valley floor towards Fornovo, along the passage or with a little rough bottom mainly conifers. A special feature is the Pieve di Talignano (and from there pos- (Fidenza, Vigoleno, Salsomaggiore) or nary roads towards the spa town of Via Francigena to Rome. Beyond the (rocks, roots, puddles sometimes), and unique beech forest planted in 1828 by sibly link up to theCiclovia Taro). Alter- in the rural context, with its individual Salsomaggiore, where you can plan village of Villanova you reach Ozzano a few small fords. Marie Louise of Austria with specimens natively, if the soil is dry, you can take old and isolated buildings (the Roman- your return to Fidenza, either by rid- Taro, back on the Cisa State road, taken from the Parma Apennines. The the MTB trail through Piana Marchesi esque churches of San Nicomede and ing along a comfortable bike path, or route starts from the Collecchio rail- and the picturesque Lake Svizzera San Genesio). The route is a ring with by train. way station and, once you’ve crossed to reach via Conventino, which you some alternative routes one might the village, you reach the entrance of already rode on during the first leg.

View towards the castle of Vigoleno. Archivio Parco The tern is the park’s emblemic bird. Emanuel Fior Roe deer (Capreolus capreolus). Francesco Grazioli Stirone e Piacenziano Taro Carrega Woods Regional River Park Regional River Park Regional Park

The park was established in 2011, and was created by uniting theParco Regionale dello The park protects about twenty kilometres of the Taro River flow, from the Via Emilia A refined atmosphere, historic and noble, even if sometimes decadent, surrounds the Stirone and theRiserva Naturale Geologica del Piacenziano. The bicycle route, however, to Parma, and up to Fornovo. The landscape ranges from parched expanses of gravel on park, the first to be established in the Emilia-Romagna region in 1982. The protected crosses only the section of ​​the park located along the Stirone valley floor. Especially in the riverbed, to the surrounding cultivated fields, and riparian thickets. The protected area, spread over 1,270 acres, is an enchanting mosaic of forest (one of the few left the first stretch, the river flows encased in a sort of canyon between Pliocene clays. The area includes the wide riverbed and the nearby river terraces, both historically marked in the foothill areas of the region), vast glades, scenic lakes, glorious noble mansions morphology is wild and escarpments reveal fossil beds of considerable importance. As by man’s intense exploitation, but still characterised by a wide variety of environments adorned with romantic parks, shady valleys, ravine basins, cultivated fields. The Carrega for the vegetation cover one can distinguish between the farming environments in the of great natural value and fundamental importance for migratory birds who stand on Woods retain the imprint attributed to them first by the ducal families and then bythe valley bottom and those of the pebbly shore, with willows and poplars, while the -high the banks of the Taro during seasonal movements. On the sides of the river there are Carrega family, starting from the second half of the ‘700 until the first decades of the est parts, from Ponte Trabucchi to Vigoleno, are covered with mixed forests. The fauna flood plain areas where the rare Tamarisk appears and fireweed and blueweed bloom. ‘900. The abundant wildlife that inhabited the ducal game sanctuaries is still one of the is rich and diverse: even the “passing by” cyclist cannot help but notice several species There are dry meadows with dense patches of sea-buckthorn and precious orchids as greatest assets of the protected area. The most representative animal is the roe deer, of nesting birds along the river including the colourful bee-eater, a migratory bird that well as vast cultivated fields crossed by ancient canals and dotted with ancient histori- which is housed in a particularly favourable environment for the alternation of woods builds the nest in tunnels dug into the slopes. cal rural and religious buildings. Among the birds on the riverbed we should mention: and glades. the common tern, the little tern, the little plover and the rare and elusive stone curlew.

Landscape along the Stirone. Archivio Parco Aerial view of the Taro River. Giovanni Bertolini Aerial view of the Villa of the Casino dei Boschi. Giovanni Bertolini Technical data may present some discomfort due to Technical data Travel time: one day Technical data Travel time: half day (excluding car traffic and the lack, although in a breaks and the visit to the abbey) Additional information: Ciclovia del Secchia few places, of a sheltered cycle lane Ciclovia del Parco dei Sassi Ciclovia di Monteveglio Protected areas: Protected areas: Park visitor centre “The Fontanazzo” Protected areas: Additional information: Natural Reserve “Detention Basin Travel time: one day Sassi di Roccamalatina Regional Park Via Pieve Trebbio 1287 Abbazia di Monteveglio Regional Park Park Centre “San Teodoro” of the Secchia River” Length Roccamalatina of Guiglia Length: Via Abbazia, 28 Monteveglio This is a copybook itinerary. It includes a destination for excursions and hik- Additional Information: This route requires considerable effort, take the road of the same name until about 50 km total This is a hill itinerary with some gra- the abbey through a short but intense about 27 km, including Length: from 25 km in the shortest Tel. (+39) 059 795721 the detour to Monteveglio Alto Tel. (+39) 051 6701044 a sensational start through the historic ing. From the Modena railway station Home of the reserve c/o TheOspitale due to both its length and gradi- the unmistakable fork at 307 m of alti- Gradient: 550 m uphill and dients, but it’s easy (it’s all on asphalt) climb. The abbey is worth visiting for route to 38 km according to the [email protected] [email protected] city centre of Modena (the wonder- you reach the Via Emilia and follow it Via Fontana 2, Rubiera ent, but it may be shortened a little tude, from where you climb up switch- the same down and in an ideal environment made of its interesting historical, architectural Gradient: 380 m uphill and the deviations www.parcoabbazia.it ful Piazza Grande is a UNESCO World to the west. Beyond the gates of the Tel. (+39) 0522 627902 in case of need. Everything revolves backs up to Pieve di Trebbio. You’ll groves interspersed with fields and, in and environmental features. After same down Degree of difficulty: high www.enteparchi.bo.it Heritage Site), an approaching route city you follow a path along “minor” Gradient: negligible Cell (+39) 348 5219711 around the Sassi, sandstone pinnacles then arrive in Castellaro and Borgo dei some areas, with gullies. Hub and heart going back down along via Abbazia to Degree of difficulty: along bike lanes or small roads with streets until you cross the Secchia with [email protected] emerging in the landscape and almost Sassi, dominated by sandstone pinna- (length and gradient are not negligible, of the park, as well as the excursion, the park visitor centre, located in the easy Degree of difficulty: very little traffic, a possible detour the beautiful bridge “Barchetta”. On the low. www.parchiemiliacentrale.it always visible in the centre of our ring cles that are the heart and the main but the pavement of the route is the Abbey of Santa Maria di Mon- beautiful San Teodoro meadows at (total absence of dirt and/or muddy (), and a destination of opposite shore you can make a detour The inland route is within the reach journey. Curiously similar to the Greek attraction of the park. After the option- is almost always good) teveglio, which provides the protected the gates of Monteveglio’s new built- stretches; there is a climb with exceptional natural value: the Reserve to the centre of Campogalliano or you of everyone. The one from Modena Meteora, in addition to their geomor- al walk uphill to the highest of them, area with its name and identity. It is a up area, you’ll get back on the route, some very steep yet not problematic “Detention Basin of the river Secchia.” may reach the detention basin from phological value, the Sassi also retain you go back to the junction of Castel- Romanesque church, which still retains which is initially parallel to the stream stretches) (Riserva Naturale Orientata Cassa di the Santuario della Sassola. This area flora and fauna peculiarities: suffice it laro to reach, on asphalt, the village of the original architecture (even if the Ghiara of Serravalle and then climbs espansione del fiume Secchia). This offers at least three different types of to mention the wallcreeper, the rare Roccamalatina. From here you have restoration works carried out between from the south side of the park along itinerary also includes Rubiera, where environments: the woods of a plain, cave salamander found in some natu- two options. You can climb to Montec- 1927 and 1931 included some arbi- paved roads with very little local traf- you can admire the ancient Ospitale, the reeds along the banks, and the ral cavities, or birds of prey nesting orone; another medieval hamlet nes- trary reconstruction). With its mass fic, and in a pleasant country setting. the historic city centre and the Roman- expanses of water, even with marsh on the rocks like the peregrine falcon. tled among chestnut trees and fields of red brick, its surrounding cypresses The climb ends in the vicinity of the esque church of San Faustino. The vegetation. The proposed cycle route is You should also not miss a visit to the in view of the Sasso di Sant’Andrea. and its picturesque location at the end ridge which separates the valley of the detention basins (dammed basins with fully representative, because it allows Pieve di Trebbio, near the park visi- Alternatively, you can immediately of a quiet hamlet, the abbey also has Rio Paraviere from the valley of the 8 kilometres of perimeter and a flooda- you to take in the whole habitat of the tor centre “The Fontanazzo”. The little undertake the circumnavigation of the an unmatched view of the landscape. Rio Marzatore at around 300 metres ble surface of about 200 hectares) protected area. It consists of the -com church retains the Romanesque struc- valley of Mulino della Riva, traversing The route starts from the Bazzano rail- above sea level, from where you’ll start were begun at the end of the 70s as a plete tour of the riverbanks, pleasantly ture and several original stone sculp- along the winding road that reaches way station and, once you’ve crossed riding downhill among mixed broad- device for “hydraulic safety” to regulate enriched with some detours and stops tural elements, despite the heavy res- Castellino delle Formiche and a pano- the historic centre of town (with the leaved woods (oak, hornbeam, maple) the floods of the river Secchia. Over for contemplation and bird-watching, toration of the early 1900s. From the ramic view towards the Sassi. From Rocca and its not-to-be-missed muse- and small cultivated fields with cherry time they have acquired other quali- one of the big attractions of the entire Vignola railway station you reach the here, passing through Sant’Apollonia, um, rich with archaeological finds), and walnut trees. Once you’ve reached ties: scenic landscape views, habitat reserve. boundaries of the park riding along the you ride downhill to the fork at 307 m you’ll arrive at the boundaries of the Tagliolina you ride along the shady for nesting birds and, last but not least, Nature Trail of the valley bot- of altitude you already touched on the park via small secondary roads. After valley bottom of the Rio Marzatore, tom. After crossing Ponte Casona you first leg, and you return to Vignola. bypassing the village of Monteveglio by closing the ring a couple of kilometres riding along the bike path, you reach from Bazzano.

Aerial view with the Abbey complex in the foreground. Gabriele Baldazzi The European pond tortoise (Emys orbicularis). Massimiliano Costa The sandstone Sassi within the park’s territory. Fabrizio Dell’Aquila Natural Reserve SASSI DI ROCCAMALATINA Abbazia di Monteveglio “Detention Basin of the Secchia River” REGIONAL PARK Regional Park

Spread over 255 hectares, the reserve was established in 1996 on an environment cre- The centrepiece of the park, both in topographical sense and in terms of landscape and The park was established in 1995 and covers 881 hectares, all in the municipality of ated artificially in the late 1970’s for flood safety reasons. Two large basins can receive geomorphological peculiarities, is the complex of the Sassi: Oligocene sandstone pin- Monteveglio, in a strip of hilly landscape typical of low altitudes, which in this case go floodwaters of the Secchia River in order to “lighten” its flow and avoid overflowing nacles, with typical botanical and animal species. The park, halfway between the hills from the 100 m of valley Samoggia, to the 349 m of Monte Freddo. The “heart” of the in downstream areas. The water level varies depending on the season and climate, and mountains, covers an area of ​​2,300 hectares. The “gradual surfacing” of the spires park is the Abbey of Santa Maria di Monteveglio with the millenary parish church, set but remains within a few metres. The large basins are interrupted by stretches of land is due to differential erosion that has dismantled more quickly the underlying soft clay. in a hilly region of small valleys and inaccessible gullies that extend interspersed with and little islands periodically inundated and colonised by vegetation. Abundant birdlife The morphologies are natural but sometimes reworked by man over the centuries, formerly cultivated fields, crops and vineyards. The geology of the area is quite diversi- finds refuge here: herons, little egrets, night herons. The high embankments, developed from the early medieval fortifications, as in the case of “spiral flights of steps, cisterns, fied: the most prominent mountains, including the hill where the Abbey is located, are for 8km around the basins are covered with heterogeneous vegetation, ranging from storage rooms, caves, ovens and even large rooms ... “. The natural caves are a different made of marly and calcareous rocks, whose steep slopes host ample forests of mixed patches of reeds, to poplars and border willows. Also interesting is the dense riparian story: small cavities created by corrosion, though limited, exerted by the water on the deciduous broad-leaved trees, with the exception of a few olive trees on the hill of forest in the bed of Secchia, consisting of several hydric species, both native (willow, calcareous component of sandstones. The sandstones of the Sassi are the undisputed Cucherla. Around these, the widespread gully morphology develops on purely clay soils, poplar, alder) and exotic (tree of heaven, black locust and American maple). reign of birds of prey such as the peregrine falcon, historically linked to these inacces- characterised by a discontinuous ground cover, herbaceous or shrubby at most, dry sible walls for nesting. and parched in summer and muddy in winter.

Evening view of the detention basins. Enrico Turilazzi Cyclist along the route. Claudio Palmieri Autumn view of the rural landscape of the park. Gabriele Baldazzi

Technical data Travel time: one day Technical data Travel time: half day Technical data Travel time: a day if you make the whole journey; half a day if Additional information: Additional information: Ciclovia della Memoria Ciclovia dei Gessi di Gaibola Ciclovia dei Gessi you cut the loop to Monte Mauro. Protected areas: Park visitor centre Protected areas: Park centre “L. Fantini “ Protected areas: Monte Sole Regional Historical Park Via Porrettana Nord 4, Marzabotto Gessi Bolognesi e Calanchi Via Jussi 171 Vena del Gesso Romagnola Regional Additional information: Tel. (+39) 051.932525 dell’Abbadessa Regional Park loc. Farneto - San Lazzaro di Savena Park Visitor centre and refuge Ca’ Carnè This is a very rewarding itinerary you visit, and then you ride up to San Length: 25 km This is a relatively short foothill itin- Idice Stream. Otherwise you climb up This is a long excursion with some cial road up to Case Varnello, beyond Fax +39 051 6780056 Length: 21 km Tel (+39) 051 6254811 Length: about 30 km food service and guesthouse despite (actually, for some people Silvestro, on the ridge between Reno Gradient: 550 m ascent and 500 m erary with climbs that should not be directly toward Gaibola, on a steep and gradients, but it may be shortened in which you turn on the municipal road [email protected] (with the deviation to the WWF [email protected] (21 Km if you ride only the first loop) Tel (+39) 0546 81468 because of) the significant physical and Setta, which in practice will mark descent underestimated. After departing in soon dirt road that reaches the karst various ways if necessary. It winds pri- via Rontana and, soon after, towards www.enteparchi.bo.it Molino Grande River Oasis) www.enteparchi.bo.it Teaching activities and tours, guided effort required, due to the gradient, the backbone of the route. Leaving an urban environment you reach the environment of the Gessi, riddled with marily on paved roads with little traf- the visitor centre Ca’ Carnè. The envi- Gradient: 900 m total Degree of difficulty: medium to tours and cave tours the relative length of the route and the behind the often-muddy stretches of gates of the park, characterised by an dolines. The terrain here is forest-cov- Gradient: 200 m fic and, if the soil is dry, you can divert ronment becomes more wood and Tel (+39) 0546 80628 recurring presence of muddy stretch- clay, you’ll reach the sandstone forma- high, varying according to the season uncommon rock, the Gypsum, and the ered with spectacular spring blooms of through some variations on the trail. karst, with outcrops of gypsum, which Degree of difficulty: high if you (presence of stretches that besides Degree of difficulty: medium follow the complete itinerary, due to [email protected] es. The place has features of obvious tions of Monte Sole. You’ll bypass the related karst environments moved by geophytes (snowdrops, scilla, dogtooth The naturalistic attraction of this itin- display magnificent erosions. From Ca’ www.parcovenadelgesso.it interest in terms of landscape (long top of this mountain via a long detour being steep, may also be muddy) dolines (large funnel-shaped hollows, violet). After skirting the large dolines (there is a steep uphill stretch on erary lies in the singularity of the rock, Carnè you climb to the asphalt road, the gradient and the length; middle stretches of ridge between Reno and passing through the nearby Oratory which host the classic swallow-hole of the Buche di Gaibola, and then of dirt road, but it’s not prohibitive) the gypsum. This stone is the protago- now a bit distant from the gypsum if you cut the loop to Monte Mauro. Setta, with panoramic views), botany of Cerpiano and the cemetery and cave on the bottom), groves, formerly Ronzana and Inferno, you reach the nist of unusual karst landforms, and outcropping, to reach passo della Val- The stretches on clay soil are variants (mixed deciduous forests typical of church of Casaglia. These buildings, cultivated fields and small rocks. There asphalted via dell’Eremo, which shortly the substrate for a qualitatively rich letta, from which you descend quickly feasible only in the dry season. the average next like the others along the route are the is also the river environment, repre- after, to the right, leads you to the- bot vegetation cover, Mediterranean on to Zattaglia. Here you can take a sec- to peculiarities such as the rock areas silent witnesses of the massacre that sented by poplars, willows and black tom of the valleyZ ena. The route pass- the south facing slopes and wooded ond ring route that goes around Monte of holm oak or Scots pine), and fauna resulted in the destruction of the com- alder, with undergrowth mainly of cor- es the park visitor centre “Luigi Fantini” on the north. From the Brisighella rail- Mauro, the main peak of the Vena del (chance of spotting herds of ungu- munity of Monte Sole in the autumn nelian cherry, elder, field maple, and and the nearby Cave of Farneto, of way station you go up to the provincial Gesso and karst area of wild beauty. lates, not to mention the presence of of 1944 (770 victims, 955 in total dur- common dogwood. The ring route can historical and archaeological, as well road heading to Riolo Terme, touching On the north side you’ll also cross a the wolf, by now stable). Yet, it should ing the occupation). They have been be reached from both the railway sta- as educational and touristic signifi- the Rocca and the Sanctuary Montici- strip of clay with traces of the unre- be emphasised that this is essentially consolidated but not rebuilt and they tion of San Lazzaro and that of Ozzano. cance nowadays. After this, you reach no. From here a spectacular and more alistic reclamation works attempted a historical and memorial park, linked were entrusted with the task of hand- From Pizzocalvo, with the homony- the hamlet of La Cicogna, from where challenging variant splits off, cross- during the Fascist period. After riding to the memory of the most painful ing down “what was” and the message mous church, you go to the south you can either take the bike path to ing the “Museo Geologico all’aperto downhill to the Sintria valley floor, you massacre of civilians carried out by that “this must not happen again.” The and at the first intersection you can the railway station of San Lazzaro or del Monticino” (Outdoor Geological pass through the gypsum promontory the Nazi occupiers in . You depart return starts from the park visitors’ detour, optionally, to cross the WWF continue riding along via Palazzetti and Museum of Monticino). This route, “passo del Gatto”, crossing yet another from the railway station of Lama di centre “Poggiolo” along the small road Molino Grande River Oasis, on the return to the railway station of Ozzano. which follows the enormous trench of area of dolines and karst groves, and Reno and reach the Romanesque par- that goes down to Sperticano and Pian an abandoned quarry, is feasible only finally coming out on the provincial ish church of Panico, which we suggest di Venola, where you take the train. when the soil is dry. If you decide not road Riolo-Brisighella. to take this detour, keep to the provin-

View towards the gully Rivabella. Sergio Rami Two bikers along the Gessi di Gaibola bicycle route. Francesco Grazioli There are many caves of great speleological and archaeological value. Gianpaolo Zaniboni Monte Sole Gessi Bolognesi e Calanchi Vena del Gesso Romagnola Regional Historical Park dell’Abbadessa Regional Park Regional Park

Established in 1989, theRegional Historical Park of Monte Sole is perhaps the one that Established in 1988 on an area of ​​3,421 hectares (more than 1,377 hectares of contig- Spread over 6,000 hectares, the park features over 2,000 hectares of gypsum outcrop, stands out the most from the panorama of regional protected areas, because of its uous area), the Parco dei Gessi Bolognesi e Calanchi dell’Abbadessa Park( of the Bolog- and is the most important karst area of Emilia- Romagna, with over 220 natural cavi- historic character all of its own. It retains a painful memory that is both a testimony nese Gypsums and Gullies of the Abbadessa) protects a karst area and an adjacent por- ties already known and detected, plus others that are being explored. The protected of events and a warning that the facts here occurred must not be repeated ever again. tion of clays. Both areas are interesting in geomorphological, botanical and landscape area, which for its outstanding natural beauty has been the target of scientific explora- That said, there are nevertheless interesting natural and environmental characteristics, terms, yet the first appears to be more peculiar because of the numerous outdoor and tion since the nineteenth century, presents a wide variety of environments and valuable such as the cliffs with holm oak and heather, meadows with orchids, the relic clumps underground karst phenomena. It is sufficient to mention the more than 150 caves, refuges for animal and plant species, some of which rare. On the cliffs facing south are of Scots pine, the overall heritage of rich flora, the wealth of ungulates and birdlife, as large and small, generally accessible only to organised speleological groups. These are habitats of the Mediterranean type, with thickets of holm oak and turpentine trees, as well as the confirmed presence of the wolf. An excursion whose underlying themes a treasure of inestimable scientific and ecological value due to the presence of about well as “carpets” of helichrysum, thyme and even succulents, “fat plants” of the genus are the places of massacres is an unforgettable experience. Those who have not expe- fifteen species of bats. The area of the Calanchi dell’Abbadessa encloses the wilder- Sedum. On the northern slopes, on the other hand, we find dolines and ravines with a rienced it find it hard to believe that gutted buildings, tombstones with long lists of ness, almost desert, and characterised by steep slopes with very little vegetation: an cool-moist microclimate that host plants which love the cold, and actual floristic and unfamiliar names, and the tale of events of seventy years ago can arouse such and so environment populated by different species of amphibians, reptiles, birds of prey and faunal relics of much higher altitudes. The extraordinary fauna patrimony of the area many emotions, yet the park exists precisely for this purpose. mammals, among which even the wolf recently made its appearance. is especially interesting due to the presence of bats (there are several wintering and breeding colonies in the caves) as well as the diurnal and nocturnal birds of prey.

The ruins of Caprara di Sopra. Monica Palazzini Gullies at Castel De Britti. Gianpaolo Zaniboni The route along the Monte Mauro loop. Milko Marchetti