Valle del Limentra
Updated on 04 March 2020 From Comune di Bologna
This itinerary winds through a fascinating portion of the Apennines along the dividing line between Emilia Romagna and Tuscany: sacred and secular architecture, natural beauty, charming villages adorned with the handiwork of Comacine master stonemasons.
First stop is the Rocchetta Mattei fortress in Riola-Savignano, outside of Grizzana Morandi. Bathed by the waters of the Limentra River, the building’s unique architecture designed by its eclectic builder, Count Cesare Mattei, is one of the main tourist attractions of the Apennine Mountains.
From there the tour returns to Riola where you can admire another architectural masterpiece, the Church of Santa Maria Assunta designed by the world-renowned Finnish architect Alvar Aalto.
From Riola take the road towards Vimignano to reach an adorable medieval village, La Scola, a concentrate of charm and history.
To reach the fourth stop of the tour drive a few more kilometres and climb upwards to Montovolo, the ancient “sacred mountain” that is home to the Sanctuary of S. Maria della Consolazione and Chapel of S. Caterina d’Alessandria.
The tour ends in the Town of Camugnano, and it’s last two sites to visit are: the Cati Mill, with its Museum of Bread in the township of Ponte di Verzuno and Palazzo Comelli, a medieval building in Borgo di Ca’ Melati, Bargi. Both are sites of the Camugnano Ecomuseo (eco-museum).
This tour can be followed on foot over marked CAI pathways, by bicycle or by car.
© Lab051
Rocchetta Mattei; Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta; La Scola; Santuario della Beata Vergine della Consolazione; Oratorio di Santa Caterina d'Alessandria; Molino Cati; Palazzo Comelli