Regnano: Salse, Hiking Trails and History

Regnano is best known for the Salse di Regnano, its hiking trails, and the Chiesa di S. Prospero Vescovo. The Salse offer insight into the area’s distinctive geology, while the trails place them in a variety of landscapes. The history of the church and the spring at the Fontana del Pilastro also add to the picture of the area.

The Salse di Regnano and their geology

The Salse di Regnano are a geological feature: clay cones resembling small volcanoes rise from a thick layer of mud. Their formation is linked to substances rising from deep underground to the surface. Gaseous and liquid hydrocarbons such as methane and petroleum rise through water-bearing layers. The striking cone shape can therefore be considered alongside the geological process that creates it.

The Salse di Regnano can be reached via the Sentiero dei vulcani di fango long-distance trail. The Sentiero naturalistico del Querciolese also leads to them: this circular route passes through Regnano, and the Salse are among its natural points of interest. The Sentiero Spallanzani offers a different route. After descending into the Rio Faggiano, it reaches Regnano and passes by the Salse.

Hiking trails with different routes

The start, destination, and specific length are given for the first stage of the Sentiero dei Vulcani di fango: it runs from the Salse di Regnano to Valle del Rio Rocca and is 29 kilometers long. The Querciolese, by contrast, is described as a circular route through Regnano that passes, among other places, by the Salse. These routes offer different ways to explore the area: a circular trail through the town and a 29-kilometer stage that begins at the Salse. The Via dei Vulcani di Fango also includes Salse in the hamlets of Regnano and Casola Querciola, within the municipality of Viano.

Church history in Regnano

The old Chiesa di S. Prospero Vescovo was consecrated in 1151 and is dedicated to Saint Prospero. The present building was constructed much later: work began in 1856, and it was blessed in 1858. The church houses an organ from the last quarter of the 17th century, attributed to the Traeri organ-building workshop. Different periods therefore come together in the church: its early consecration, the construction of the present building in the 19th century, and the older organ.

Another building history is associated with Cà Bertacchi di Regnano. The original Church of San Prospero was abandoned at the beginning of the 17th century after repeated landslides had severely damaged it. It was rebuilt a short distance away. This sequence of damage, abandonment, and reconstruction is part of the area’s history.

Springs and Salse in the surrounding area

The Salse di Casola Querciola is located near Regnano. It was prepared for visitors in 2015. A path lined with posts runs through the entire area; protective railings have been installed around the main active vents. Check local conditions before visiting.

The Fontana del Pilastro collects water from a mineral spring and a sulfur spring. It is located on the road between Regnano and San Giovanni Querciola. The area offers a range of geological features: the clay cones and hydrocarbon seepage at the Salse, and two different types of spring at the Fontana.

Discover more destinations: Montecchio Emilia, Gattatico, San Giovanni, Baiso, Rubiera, Brescello, Massenzatico, Cerredolo.

For the main travel overview: Reggio Emilia.