Albinea is a foothill town that stands out for its landscape and naturalistic beauties and for the presence of historic buildings of artistic importance. It was already inhabited in prehistoric times, as shown by the Tana della Mussina, a tomb from the third millennium BC. In the Middle Ages the hamlets of Borzano, Montericco and Albinea with their relative hills joined together in a single estate, each one with a parish church and a castle, and part of a powerful defence system to protect the territories already subject to Matilde di Canossa.
With the arrival of the Este family, this territory was embellished with numerous tower-houses and then with historic villas such as Villa Sidoli-Rossi, Villa Arnò and Villa Tarabini. The latter houses the municipal Acetaia (vinegar factory) in the attic. Albinea has a rich cultural offering all year long and numerous itineraries, and is a privileged location for those seeking respite from the nearby town of Reggio Emilia in the summer.
The three cycling routes that we suggest can be downloaded from the free app "Sentieri Appennino".
If these three routes are of interest to you, you can learn more about the Matildic Lands with the dedicated itinerary.
The Anello di Ca’ del Vento is a circular trail starting and ending in the village of Borzano, set in a stunning natural landscape with open panoramas and rich biodiversity. The route winds through forests and meadows, offering plenty of panoramic spots perfect also for a relaxing break in nature.
The CAI 614 trail passes through the Special Conservation Area of Ca’ del Vento, Ca’ del Lupo, and Gessi di Borzano. A short detour leads to Borzano Castle and the Tana della Mussina, an archaeological site steeped in local legends.
Technical info
Curiosity
The Tana della Mussina is at the heart of local folklore, said to be the home of a mysterious figure suspended between history and legend.
Circular route starting and ending at Piazza Cavicchioni, following quiet secondary streets and beginning with a stretch along the “Tirabusòn” bike path. The itinerary passes through the village of Botteghe and continues to the industrial area, before moving through a pleasant mix of history and landscape.
Along the way, the Albinea Canal can be seen, an ancient hydraulic work built in the 12th century to irrigate fields and power mills. The route then reaches Broletto, the oldest part of the area, before returning past the Pieve di Albinea and completing the loop back to the starting point.
Technical info
Curiosity
The name “Tirabusòn,” which means “corkscrew” in the Reggiano dialect, refers to the winding shape of the route, giving it a particularly charming character.
Circular route starting from Piazzale Lavezza, a central point for local events. The itinerary winds through gentle hills in a varied and pleasant landscape, alternating quiet streets, scenic stretches, and short gravel sections.
Along the way, some of the area’s most notable sites can be discovered, including religious buildings and green corners, before returning to the starting point via secondary streets and bike paths.
Must-sees
Technical info
Useful info
The route includes some uphill sections: a basic level of fitness is recommended, along with a break to enjoy the scenic views along the way.
