パブロ・ネル・フリニャーノのおすすめウォーキング＆ハイキングルート

At this small sacred monument, the Croce di Monzone, I would like to offer visitors a short quote from Giovanni Guareschi (1908-1968). In one of the wonderfully narrated episodes—popular far beyond the borders of Italy—about his two protagonists, 'Don Camillo' and 'Peppone,' the combative priest is outraged by certain nocturnal activities of 'the Reds'—he calls them poisonous snakes to be crushed—and, as was his custom, discusses this with the crucified Christ on the church's high altar. Christ replies: "When my Father created the world, he made a very clear distinction between animals and humans. This means that humans always remain humans… and that, consequently, they must be treated as such. If this were not the case, wouldn't it have been easier to destroy them instead of coming down to earth to redeem them by having myself crucified?" (Quote from G. Guareschi in: "The Punitive Expedition")

excellent panoramic view

panorama from the lovers' bench

Mount Cimone

From this point it is also possible to see the valley towards the village of Monzone, as well as that towards the castle of Montecuccolo

Despite its isolated position, the fortified village of Monzone assumed considerable military importance in the Middle Ages and was repeatedly at the center of the struggles between the parties contending for dominion over the Frignano. The town, gathered at the foot of the Castle, of which only the tower now used as a bell tower remains, is characterized by narrow streets that suddenly open into small squares and courtyards. Further information on the website: https://www.inappenninomodenese.com/localita/pavullo-nel-frignano/monzone/

The Oratory of Ca' di Chino is a picturesque isolated church, located on the edge of a dense forest, and offers a particularly suggestive atmosphere. The main road leading to the oratory is private and not accessible to motor vehicles, but it is possible to reach it on foot or by bicycle. The little church was built in 1744 to honor a miraculous image of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

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.