The territory in a nutshell: Lizzano in Belvedere

The municipality of Lizzano in Belvedere is the ideal destination for walks, trekking and cultural visits, amidst mountain ridge views and ancient villages. 

The main town is Lizzano, a small village nestling in the shadow of Monte Pizzo, symbolically represented by the characteristic Parish Church of San Mamante (surmounted by a dome) and the small "Delùbro", one of the oldest circular buildings in the province. A walk through the small "rioni" of the town, with their characteristic names, including the " Fondaccio", "Borgo Piatto" and "Biana", is definitely a must. 

The second largest town in the municipality is Vidiciatico, a name that, according to legend, owes its origin to the bandit "Ciatico", who was evidently spotted by someone in the area, hence "Vidi-Ciatico" (I saw Ciatico). Of particular interest are the stone church of San Rocco (actually dedicated to the Madonna di Loreto) and the Ca' Gherardi "neighbourhood", the old centre of the village, set around a charming little square with a small fountain in the centre. Vidiciatico is the starting point for easy hikes out into the surrounding woods (Monte Pizzo is perfect for a quiet walk or a mountain bike ride, while sports enthusiasts can enjoy freeride and downhill trails, or book adrenaline-filled paragliding experiences), whereas its large summer swimming pool is a perfect oasis of relaxation in the sun.

Continuing onwards in the direction of Corno alle Scale, we reach the marvellous sanctuary of Madonna dell'Acero, built in the 16th century in the place where the Madonna is said to have appeared on the branches of a maple tree. The same ancient tree can still be seen growing next to the sacred building. From here, a path through the beech forest leads the visitor to the majestic waterfalls of the Dardagna torrent and the unparalleled sights provided by the first three falls (almost 10 metres high). Past the church, you will soon reach Corno alle Scale, with 1945 metres the highest peak in the Bolognese Apennines, the perfect place to cool off with a summer hike or enjoy the snowy views in winter. Put on your hiking boots and reach magical places such as the Valle del Silenzio, Lago Scaffaiolo, Laghetto del Cavone and the peak of Corno, surmounted by a characteristic cross. 

Another peak worth climbing is Mount Belvedere, rich in history and local legends. Indeed, it is rumoured  that Oliva, a woman involved in a shady affair between two thieves and the Devil himself, lies buried beside the remains of the medieval castle on its summit... In more recent times, Mount Belvedere was the tragic scene of a famous battle of the 10th Mountain Division during World War II.

Proseguiamo il viaggio nel comune di Lizzano in Belvedere con qualche visita tra piccoli borghi: Poggiolforato, Pianaccio, Monteacuto delle Alpi e Rocca Corneta. 

We continue our journey through the municipality of Lizzano in Belvedere with a couple of visits to small villages: Poggiolforato, Pianaccio, Monteacuto delle Alpi and Rocca Corneta. 

Poggiolforato is located under the slopes of the Riva Mountains, home to the valuable Ethnographic Museum of Mountain Culture and the "Le Catinelle house museum", where visitors can really witness how peasant dwellings were organised in the last century. We also recommend taking a walk to the "Acqua Puzzola" (Smelly Spring), a sulphurous spring gushing out distinctively scented water with healing properties.. 

Monteacuto delle Alpi is a lovely medieval village with breathtaking views over the heights of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines. The town centre has retained its ancient layout, featuring small cobbled streets, arches and stairways, culminating with the downhill piazza surrounded by green mountain slopes. Through another very relaxing walk you can reach the church of Madonna del Faggio, accessible by the same old paved road that also leads to the Squaglia mill. A short distance away we find Pianaccio, the birthplace of journalist Enzo Biagi, nestled in a small gorge and home to the Centro Documentale Enzo Biagi, a permanent exhibition dedicated to the writer. Branching off from here, you can reach the Segavecchia refuge to delve even deeper into the surrounding woods.

On the other hand, the border with Modena offers such sites as Rocca Corneta, most notably the "Rocca", an ancient belfry perched on a hilltop at the beginning of the village with beautiful views of the surrounding Riva mountains. Rocca is also home to numerous farms that promote local products.