Montecatini: Historical Traces, Wine Culture and Hiking Route

Rocca and Remembrance in Montecatini

Montecatini combines local history, personal remembrance, automotive history and autumn events with a hiking route along the right bank of the Cavo Tresinaro.

The Rocca estense di San Martino in Rio is considered one of the most significant historical complexes on the Reggio plain and today serves as the cultural heart of the town. A still intact square corner tower with Ghibelline battlements and machicolations has been preserved.

In the Montecatini district of San Martino in Rio stands the monument “Cippo ad Aldo Schiavina e Pietro Alberti”. The inscription names Aldo Schiavina and Pietro Alberti as partisans who fell in combat on 23 April 1945 during the Italian War of Liberation. The site thus connects a precise date with a personal remembrance of two people and a chapter of Italian history.

Automotive History and Landscape

The Museo dell’Automobile houses a private collection in a 650-square-metre hall. It includes more than forty automobiles, around ten motorcycles, historic bicycles and objects from the world of motorsport. The collection ranges from automotive history to memorabilia from racing culture, creating a distinctive focus alongside architecture and monuments. The museum adds automotive and motorsport themes to the local history.

The landscape history is also part of the picture of San Martino in Rio: the area was once characterized by marshes and forests.

Hiking Route and Orientation on Site

The hiking route “2021-01-20 LD3 Stiolo (RE)” passes through Montecatini at the beginning and end. From Montecatini, it follows the right bank of the Cavo Tresinaro. After the A1 bridge, it first reaches the Canale Calvetro and then Stiolo.

For route planning, the course of the bank along the Cavo Tresinaro, the A1 bridge and the Canale Calvetro are relevant landmarks.

The monument is located at the end of a dead-end street. This branches off immediately after the intersection on the left from the turnoff from Via Stradone towards Via Forche. Via Malaguzzi and Via Bosco are considered safe and well lit.

Wine, Festivals and Choosing Your Accommodation

Pigiatura in Piasa is associated with the first Sunday in October, tastings of local wines and guided tours of the Rocca and the agricultural museum. The San Martein Festival is associated with the second Sunday in November, as well as historical processions, a market for typical products, handicrafts and entertainment. When choosing your hotel, you can align your travel dates and focus accordingly: in October, wine and guided tours take center stage; in November, historical processions, typical products and handicrafts.

More Places for Planning Your Trip

If you would like to explore more places for planning your trip to Italy, you can also visit Febbio, Fogliano, Fabbrico, Borzano, Salvaterra, Cadelbosco Di Sopra, Rolo and Cerredolo.

For the higher-level travel overview: Reggio Emilia.