VISITING CASTELVETRO - Taste, Nature, Culture

The area of Castelvetro boasts many merits and attractions in terms of scenery, culture and good food and wine, coupled with environmentally sustainable policies, in order to promote development without detrimental effects on environment. Since 1994, because of the deep wine vocation of its territory, Castelvetro is member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION “CITTA’ DEL VINO” (City of Wine); in 2003 obtained the quality label for tourism " BANDIERA ARANCIONE" of Touring Club Italiano and in 2008 completed the registration of EMAS project. Moreover Castelvetro is a member of the UNION ART CITIES of region.

Castelvetro CULTURE Castelvetro offers many suggestions for those who desire to learn about local history and culture rediscovering ancient and important testimonies. Tourists have a large choice of themed itineraries (Fortresses and Castles; The Oratories etc.) and guided tours to the main monuments and attractions of the village and of the Province of . The history of the village has its roots in the Neolithic period and developed in the Etruscan and Roman periods, but it’s during the Middle Ages and in modern times that Castelvetro acquired its current appearance. The Castle (historic centre) is a rare example of Medieval village with a pictoresque appearance with its beautiful skyline of towers and steeples. Piazza Roma is certainly the heart of the village and presents a black and white checkerboard on the pavement. From “ Piazza della Dama ” it is possible to see all the most important monuments of Castelvetro: Rinaldi Palace (location of “GOLDEN YARNS AT THE PALACE”, exhibition of Renaissance-style clothes), the Clock Tower and the Prison Tower and the Town Hall Palace . The Perish Church is very striking with its elegant bell tower and other important monuments such as the Castle of Levizzano Rangone and the Roman Oratory of St. Michael the Archangel are located in the nearby area. Do not miss the MusA “MUSEUM OF THE ABSURD”, exhibition of modern and contemporary art.

Castelvetro NATURE Castelvetro lies 18 km south-east from Modena, between the foothills of the Apennines and the high Po Valley. The territory of Castelvetro is grazed by Tiepido river and marked by the streams Nizzola and Guerro. The soil is very fertile and therefore suitable for agricultural use. Many companies practice organic farming believing that healthy methods of cultivation are necessary to obtain quality products, in line with the quality of the territory from which they come. The gentle slopes of this area are often compared to the silhouette of the hills of Tuscany and are planted with vineyards, for this reason Castelvetro is a destination of choice for nature lovers. Tourists can enjoy nature trails among the hills (accessibile by foot or bike), meandering along streams and ridges, immersed in sceneries and views of outstanding beauty.

Castelvetro FOOD AND WINE The territory of stretches from plain to hills and the soil is very fertile. The DOP Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro wine is the product of excellence but other very important local productions are Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena , Parmesan Cheese and Modena Ham , Honey, Nocino and Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Tourists visiting Castelvetro will appreciate the quiet pace of country life; plunged into a hearty and friendly atmosphere they will discover a multitude of food and wine delicacies through guided tours to production companies, food and wine tastings and cooking classes . Farm holidays offer many home made specialties and restaurants provide quality dishes made with the finest local food and wine production. In the historic centre there’s the “ENOTECA REGIONALE EMILIA ROMAGNA”, a wine bar where are on display, sell and tasting the local wine Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro and other products from Emilia Romagna Region.

Castelvetro MOTORS Located 8 km from and 25 from Modena, Castelvetro is situated in the heart of the Motorvalley. Here tourists can experience the emotion to get on board and drive , and Lamborghini among beautiful landscapes. Moreover, it is possible to enjoy guided tours to the most important Italian automakers , themed galleries and museums such as MUSEO FERRARI in Maranello and MEF-MUSEO CASA ENZO FERRARI in Modena.

Castelvetro EVENTS Castelvetro offers more than just a rich history and an enchanting nature: the area is always animate and dynamic, many events and manifestations enhance local products and traditions 365 days a year. Festivals , fairs , concerts , exhibitions , tastings , dinners and cultural events are organized in the most suggestive locations.

ITINERARIES Passeggiate amiche www.provincia.modena.it/PasseggiateAmiche/ Romanico in Bicicletta e Romanico con Gusto www.visitmodena.it Transromanica www.transromanica.it Progetto Castrum “Circuito dei castelli Modenesi” www.castellidimodena.it

AUDIOGUIDE www.visitmodena.it Il Castello di Levizzano Rangone e l’Oratorio san Michele Il Centro storico di Castelvetro Terre del Lambrusco Grasparossa