Ligonchio: Forests, Hydropower and History

Ligonchio is a destination for travellers who want to take forest landscapes, the history of technology and the area’s earlier history into account when choosing where to stay. The area is predominantly forested, with hydropower providing another distinct focus.

Forest Landscapes and Natural History

The vegetation changes with altitude. Lower elevations have oak, hornbeam and chestnut forests; the mountain forest is characterised by extensive beech woods, locally with sycamore maple and silver fir. The different altitudinal zones give the forest area distinct characteristics: several tree species grow alongside one another at lower elevations, while beech predominates in the mountain forest. At Costa delle Veline in Ligonchio there is a beech forest considered one of the national park’s particularly valuable and significant forests. Bosco delle Veline is also home to some centuries-old trees and glacial erratics. Erratics are blocks of rock transported by glaciers. The ancient trees and erratics add individual features of natural and geological history to the broad description of the forest zones.

The Decauville Trail Between Forest and Hydropower

The Decauville trail in Ligonchio follows the route of a former railway built from 1915 for the construction of the hydroelectric power plants between Tarlanda and Presa Alta. The present-day trail thus preserves the route of a railway whose purpose was connected with the construction of the power plants. It has only gentle gradients and passes through centuries-old beech forests. Historic tracks are visible along some sections; streams and springs are also among the trail’s visible features. Here, former technical use and natural features coexist along the same route. To put it in context, you can distinguish between its historical function as a railway route and its present-day character as a trail through forest, alongside waterways, with gentle gradients.

Hydropower, Architecture and Culture

The Ligonchio hydroelectric power plant is still in operation. Its Liberty-style building extends over the reservoir; architectural form and technical function come together here in the same place. The historic hydroelectric power station also houses the Atelier Di Onda in Onda. Thus, a technical building that remains in operation, its architecture and a studio in the historic station offer distinct cultural points of interest.

Medieval Landmarks

The area’s earlier history offers another perspective. A fortress in Ligonchio is documented as property of Frassinoro Abbey from 1164. The parish church dedicated to Saint Andrew has been documented since 1302. The two historical records highlight different aspects: the fortress’s connection to the abbey is specified, while the church’s dedication to Saint Andrew is noted. Together, they complement the landscape and technology themes with local medieval history.

When choosing where to stay, you can weigh the different focuses: the forests and erratics draw attention to nature and geological history, while the Decauville trail highlights the former railway route used for the construction of the power plants. The power plant and studio also bring architecture and technology into focus, while the fortress and parish church add medieval connections.

Discover more destinations: Campagnola Emilia, Collagna, La Villa, Cervarezza, Febbio, Bibbiano, Baiso, Succiso Nuovo

For the overview of the wider area: Reggio Emilia.