The Reggio Apennines are a very beautiful area for landscape, history and food. This territory is also suitable to be explored by camper, with a slow pace that allows you to enjoy the views every time you want to stop along the way, far from the routes of mass tourism.
Here there are several protected areas such as the system of the Regional Parks of Central Emilia and the National Park of the Tuscan Emilian Apennines.
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure among mountains, medieval villages and gastronomic delicacies.
The first destination of the itinerary through the hills of the Enza valley is the village of Canossa.
This name comes from an ancient history, and today it defines an entire municipality, with the homonymous castle in the center. It was a center of European history during the Middle Ages, for the events that affected the Countess Matilde of Canossa, the Pope and the Emperor in the period called "fight for the investitures".
The camper area is located in Vico, near Ciano d'Enza and is easily accessible from the provincial road 513. There are two camper parking places with a 220/230 Volt electrical outlet, the water load, the cockpit discharge grid to the ground and the toilet drain, and Wi-Fi is available. There is also a picnic area and games for children. The service is free.
From here, you can decide whether to leave by camper, on foot or by mountain bike to discover the ancient castles and villages that dot this area, among fields and vineyards.
The castles of Canossa and Rossena are two unmissable stops but it is worth exploring the small villages, including Votigno, known as the headquarters of the "House of Tibet" some years ago.
In this area there are also the "Via Matildica del Volto Santo" and the "Sentiero dei Ducati", two hiking trails of great historical and naturalistic value in Emilia-Romagna.
If you are passionate about culinary traditions, you cannot miss a good typical meal in one of the many local restaurants.
Driving up in the Enza valley and arriving in the small city of Castelnovo ne' Monti you will find the camper area located in Via dei Partigiani in a large parking area. From here you can admire a breathtaking view of the Bismantova Stone and the highest peaks of the Reggio Apennines.
The area is free and offers the following services: camper service, free water supply, parking and small picnic area.
In a short time you can reach the beautiful Bismantova Stone, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the area, impressive for its size, which stands out throughout the surrounding area.
In addition to the great naturalistic beauty, this place is also famous for being mentioned by Dante Alighieri in his Commedia: according to some it could have been the inspiration for the mount of Purgatory.
Campers can also stop in the parking area at the foot of the Stone (Piazzale Dante Alighieri - area not equipped), and then hike to the top, following one of the several well marked CAI paths.
The last stage of the itinerary takes us to Carpineti, about 20 minutes from Castelnovo ne' Monti. Along the road that follows the valley of the Tresinaro stream there is a rest area with a column for electricity and a modern camper service. It is close to the secondary schools in Via Crispi.
Carpineti is a village that has deep roots in Italian history. Its medieval castle (Carpinete Castle) dominates the horizon and offers an enviable view of the surrounding valleys.
It is one of the manors of the powerful domain of Matilde di Canossa chosen, at the time of the Grand Countess, as a privileged place to host popes, emperors, kings and dukes while concluding agreements on the fate of Italy.
The castle is not preserved in its original architecture, as the bombing of the Second World War did much damage and it was not rebuilt entirely, but it can be visited almost all year, except in the winter.
The complex also includes some ancient buildings, such as the Church of Sant'Andrea and some houses, one of them is now a typical local restaurant.
