パブロ・ネル・フリニャーノの洞窟・トップ19

The name of Castellino delle Formiche can be traced back to the popular translation of the medieval Latin expression Castrum Formigis (formidable castle). The fort was the residence of a branch of the Malatigni family, coming from the area of the Sassi fortresses of Roccamalatina. In the 14th century, the castle was acquired by the Montecuccoli; in 1623 it was added to the Podesteria of Guiglia, which in turn was ceded in 1630 as a fief to the Montecuccoli.[2] The church of Santo Stefano was built inside the castle, near the oratory of San Lorenzo already documented in the 13th century; the rectory has a 15th century portal, made with powerful sandstone ashlars arranged in a pointed arch. Inside the building of worship, there is a baptismal font from 1662 in sculpted sandstone, 17th century paintings and terracotta tiles depicting the Via Crucis.

Montecuccolo Castle is a wonderful and majestic well-preserved castle that is worth visiting. Its history begins at the time of Matilda of Canossa, when a family of her vassals obtained the investiture of the fiefdom in 1116 from Emperor Henry V and built a tower and a first palace on this hill at the beginning of the 12th century. After a long struggle with other local feudal lords, the Montecuccoli, who emerged victorious, expanded the fortress which took on its current appearance between the 15th and 17th centuries, with the addition of the new palace, the square tower and the podesteria. The castle offers a beautiful view of the sunset from its terrace located in the rear entrance, where the restaurant is also located. A curious fact about the castle is that it houses the highest balsamic vinegar cell in the world, at an altitude of 873 metres.

The castle of Pompeano (fraction of Serramazzoni) is a building perched on a stone of volcanic origin. A steep stairway climb leads to the portal with a pointed arch. From a window of the portal you can admire the Church of San Geminiano al Sasso with the bell tower, the square-based watchtower and the feudal palace. The wall is present only on the side of the entrance, while the remaining sides are protected by overhanging walls. Visits by reservation. For more information: http://www.comune.serramazzoni.mo.it/territorio/bellezze_visitare/default.aspx

A very small village now abandoned. Despite this however, if you arrive hungry just below the bell tower you will find an excellent inn, ideal for a good hot, typical and homemade meal!

The tower of the Montecuccoli castle

Suggestive route that leads near the 3 crosses, the very challenging route not recommended for beginners

Dirt road downhill, stop and visit the church of Denzano and its small village.

Just 7 km away, on a hillock covered with gorse, is Denzano. In ancient times it was the seat of a castle of which, unfortunately, only a square tower remains which dates back to the year 1000. The tower is about 15 meters high and is built with mixed material from local resources, rich in clay deposits. The territory, in fact, can reserve surprises for mineralogy enthusiasts: on the two sides of the hill there are also gypsum crystals with an almost perfect conformation.