Located in the heart of the Regional Park of the Apennines of Modena, Pievepelago is surrounded by forests of rare beauty and it is one of the most important tourist centers of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennine ridge.
The village holds the title of “Infiorata" because of the traditional procession on beautiful floral carpets on the Sunday of Corpus Domini. It also offers visitors numerous sports facilities, dozens of hiking trails, as well as facilities equipped for both summer and winter tourism.
Pievepelago is among the most popular tourist destinations in all seasons and it is perfect for those who want to combine sports in a natural environment with the tranquility and the relaxation of a holiday away from the crowds.
In winter there are cross-country skiing tracks out from St. Anna Pelago (8 km) and winding just around the town along a well lit path. There are also 12 km of downhill slopes (two lifts, a t-bar lift and a chair lifts) for athletes of all levels. There is even a 2.5 km well lit Nordic trail, which leaves from the center of town.
In the waters of the rivers running along the town you can go "catch and release" fishing. Also orienteering has found its ideal habitat in the Apennines of Modena, and Pievepelago offers special "camps" with official maps.
All around this are chestnut, beech and pine forests, crossed through by numerous paths.
Among the various things to do, visitors should not miss seeing Lago Santo lake at the foot of Mount Giovo. 1501 meters above sea level, it is the largest of the Apennine lakes and a popular destination for taking wonderful walks. Surrounded by a forest of conifers, its glacial origins give it many of the characteristics of the typical mountain lake. In summer there is the possibility to go hiking, climbing, orienteering, rock climbing, mountain biking, and go on guided horseback tours.
The Perticara River connecting S. Anna and Pievepelago is popular with Italian and foreign canoeists. For those who enjoy nature hikes, there are various trekking routes, both for beginners and experts, and particularly important is the network behind the ridge of the Tuscan-Emilian lakes.
As for the local cuisine there is the Blueberry Festival with many woodland products the first days of August, and the traditional Chestnut Festival, the first days of November.
Besides the traditional procession on the carpets of flowers, another important event is a Roccapelago reenactment with warriors, soldiers, scenes of daily life, flag bearers and medieval music.
Of particular importance is also the nearby fortress of Pelago, once home to the medieval leader of Montegarullo Obizzo. In the castle, recently some archeological finds of international interest have been discovered among which are a few dozen medieval mummies.
Of great artistic and historical interest, this place includes the massive but elegant Ponte della Fola dating back to the early Middle Ages.
At Casoni S. Andrea, the "Celtic huts" are a fine example of the ancient techniques used by the Celts.
