The Cammino dell'Unione (Union Trail)

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The Cammino dell'Unione (Union Trail)

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The Cammino dell'Unione (Union Trail)

The Cammino dell'Unione is a circular route that allows us to discover the towns and hills in the province of Modena. You start in Vignola and return after 5 days and 109 km.

Why the Union Trail?

The municipalities involved are part of the Terre di Castelli Union, but we like to imagine others reasons: Union to reverse the trend that celebrates individualism; Union to remind ourselves that in times of need it is better to be in two; Union because together we can reach unthinkable goals; Union to rediscover the bond, step by step, with the land that hosts and supports us.

Visit the site dedicated to the Trail www.camminodellunione.com

Contacts

Email: ilcamminodellunione@gmail.com

Fede: +39 340 2797016

Leo: +39 339 3317237

Stages

Stage 1
From Vignola to Levizzano
The start of the Trail couldn’t be in a more evocative place. We are in Vignola, in Piazza dei Contrari, our eyes glued to the perfectly preserved Castle. This stage is one of the longest but is almost entirely flat. Leaving the Fortress, we follow the left bank of the Panaro river to Spilamberto, where we find the second Castle - the Rangoni Fortress - and a lively historic centre. We will walk a few kilometres on the plains and then return to the hills just before Castelvetro, one of the most fascinating ancient villages on the Trail. From here, the rows of Grasparossa grapes will accompany us to Levizzano, our destination for the day, where we will be able to admire another Castle and, inside it, the Rosso Graspa Museum dedicated to rural culture and the history of Lambrusco.

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Variant for Castelnuovo Rangone
At the intersection with Via Belvedere, before heading to Castelvetro and Levizzano, those who have a spare day can continue on the N 7 cycle route to Castelnuovo Rangone. Lying in the high plains, its appearance as a fortified mediaeval village with towers, moats and walls changed during the 19th century. Its history can still be read in the monuments, of ancient origin but remodelled over the centuries. The parish church, the square tower once part of the Rangoni Fortress, and the Town Hall are all symbols of the town, as much as the famous statue of the piglet in the central square and the museum, the MuSa, dedicated precisely to master sausage makers. But it is also a town rich in culture, with streets and parks dedicated to illustrious musicians, writers and poets and one in particular, the Rio Gamberi Park, dedicated to fairy tales.

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Stage 2
From Levizzano to Pieve di Trebbio
In the second stage we will encounter fascinating landscapes: the Denzano area between Castelvetro and Marano, a knoll covered with broom that overlooks the hill and the plain. In Via Rio Faellano, an area with an agricultural tradition, we will find a clay landscape marked by the gullies of ‘Costa d'Esen’ (Donkey Coast). We will find again the Panaro river, which we will follow in the opposite direction to yesterday, towards Cimone. To finish this stage in style, we will enter the Sassi di Roccamalatina Regional Park, first along the magnificent path of small bridges and then the Pieve di Trebbio, a church dating back to Roman times and the day's final destination. Here, we will be able see the spires of the Sassi for the first time.

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Stage 3
From Pieve di Trebbio to Zocca
This is the shortest stage, which allows us to devote part of the morning to visiting the ancient Pieve di Trebbio and, above all, to climbing the ‘Sasso della Croce’ (for both please enquire about opening days and times). The climb up the rock is easier than it may seem and is accomplished in total safety. When you reach the summit, you can’t help but remain in silence, to contemplate the wide open space and marvel at the beauty of the landscape. Today's stage will be characterised by chestnut forests, scenic spots and small villages, a surprisingly evocative mix. Zocca is the destination of the day, as well as the birthplace of Vasco Rossi: sometimes you might even meet him!

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Stage 4
From Zocca to Guiglia
After reaching the highest point of the walk, the descent towards Vignola begins. We will enter woods characterised by the majestic presence of chestnut trees to arrive at silent villages and, after the Sassi di Roccamalatina, to encounter a new rocky conformation of extreme beauty: the Sasso di Sant'Andrea. It’s an isolated place, off the tourist beaten track, characterised by a mysterious charm. We descend further, towards the Monteorsello forest, immersed in a natural environment full of unforgettable images. From time to time there are cultivated fields and farmers at work. We are welcomed by the village of Guiglia, situated on a natural balcony overlooking the plain. Inside the Castle, there are many stories to tell and listen to, such as that of the casino with the shortest life in history.

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Stage 5
From Guiglia to Vignola
We are at the last stage of this short, but intense, walk. For a few kilometres we will walk in the province of Bologna, until we reach Castello di Serravalle, then return to Modena territory at Savignano Alto: two villages worth a visit. In five days, we have passed from the plains to the mountains, we have walked among rows of Lambrusco vines and chestnut woods and encountered centuries-old oaks; we have marvelled at places that nature has given us without asking anything in return, except to preserve and protect them; thanks to the slowness of our steps, we have got to know an area rich in history, good food and genuine smiles. Now we can make a toast, hopefully with a good Grasparossa.

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