Among the woods and Villages of the Reggio Emilia Apennines, along roads and paths that were the scene of epic battles, escapes and heroic deeds, the Partisans Trails wind, paths of memory and resistance.
An itinerary to discover the places where the Partisans' Resistance started against Nazi-fascism, during the Second World War: the Civil Resistance Path (Sentiero della Resistenza Civile) and the Women’s Trail (Sentiero delle Donne), where episodes of courage and sacrifice are relived. The valorisation of the two routes was curated by the Istoreco Institute of Reggio Emilia.
This itinerary is proposed so as to travel by car between the main stops proposed in the original trekking trails, with options to stop here and there for short stretches that can also be done by foot. It is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in history, among breathtaking landscapes and testimonies of a past that cannot be forgotten.
It is also possible to hike these paths thanks to the maps and gpx files published on the dedicated portal "Sentieri Partigiani". In this case, however, you need to plan two days.
Ready to relive history by walking on the Resistance Paths?
The journey begins from the center of Casina, easily reachable from Reggio Emilia along the SS63.
Here begins this Partisan Path, called “the Civil Resistance” : a 17 Km (10,56 Miles) route that passes through ancient medieval Villages that were protagonists of the Partisan resistance, especially in the last months of the Second World War.
Trekking is combined here with visits to historical places, monuments and memorials that tell of the many events related to the Partisans and the inhabitants resisting the Nazi army. In particular, the town of Gombio was spared from the Nazi massacre thanks to the courage and resistance of two women born in Germany who opposed the German troops, convincing the Nazi’s officers to leave the town without violence.
What to see along the way
You can stop now in Felina for a very good meal, likely based on traditional dishes from the Reggio area… or in one of the many restaurants in the surrounding areas.
After lunch, the journey continues along the Women's Trail, a path that connects Felina to the Pietra di Bismantova , and ends in the historic center of Castelnovo ne' Monti .
Why is this trail called that way?
After September 8, 1943, the Women's Defense Groups were born, which were fundamental for the Resistance. There were many female Partisans and they mainly acted as "relay couriers" on foot or by bicycle: carrying food, messages and weapons. They risked their own lives to support the fight.
What to see along the route
The itinerary by car mainly includes three stops: Felina, Pietra di Bismantova and Castelnovo ne’ Monti. If you decide instead to do the excursion by foot, half a day of walking is necessary. You then start from the town of Felina with a low difficulty path (classified T+) that winds through a very panoramic area and connects to the CAI trails up to Pietra di Bismantova for a total of about 16 Km (9,94 Miles).
