Tenuta Frascanera is located a few minutes from the rural village of Valestra, where you will find all essential services (bakery, supermarket, bar, local shops) and also the ideal starting point for discovering the heart of the Reggio Emilia Apennines.
The Reggio Emilia Apennines
The Reggio Emilia Apennines is a mysterious and fascinating place.
Still partially unknown by the general public, it is therefore far from the major routes of mass tourism and thanks to this it stands out for its uniqueness and authenticity.
It is a mosaic of panoramic ridges, chestnut forests, small stone villages that seem suspended in time and fortresses that tell stories of countesses and pilgrims.
In a few dozen kilometres you can alternate between hikes on scenic ridges and visits to Romanesque parish churches and medieval castles recounting centuries of faith, art and culture.
The Middle Ages in Reggio Emilia really seems to have stopped on purpose to be discovered. And this is how ancient castles and defensive fortresses can be visited and explored by all enthusiasts.
The Castle of Carpineti (a short distance from Tenuta Frascanera), the Rossena Castle and the Canossa Castle are undoubtedly among the best known places of Matilda's power and can be reached easily with a few minutes by car.
After Mathilde of Canossa other lordships of the Reggio Emilia sword nobility participated in the life and splendour of castles and residences. The Castle of Carpineti in particular was the residence of the bandit and adventurer Domenico Amorotto one of the most iconic characters of 16th century Emilia.
The Parish church of San Vitale is undoubtedly one of the most historic and fascinating places in the Municipality of Carpineti. The structure, which in all likelihood dates back to the Byzantine period (between the 7th and 9th centuries AD), stands discreetly and elegantly on a grassy plateau and today is an archaeological site of regional and national importance. It is also intimately linked to the history of Matilda and the Canossa family. Today it is possible to visit the site and, with a walk through the woods, reach the Castle of Carpineti.
