Toano: Discover Apennine Landscapes and Cultural Heritage

Toano is entirely mountainous. Ancient glacial erosion and more recent fluvial erosion have shaped the municipal area; since June 2015, it has been part of the Appennino Tosco-Emiliano UNESCO MAB area. This gives you different options when planning your trip: you can explore medieval architecture, discover trails and geological landforms, or include both in your stay. The places and routes described offer a specific focus for each of these interests.

Landscape and Geological Features

Near Quara lie the Balze di Malpasso, a geosite featuring exposed sandstone cliffs. Watercourses have cut deep sections into the valleys there. A well-marked path to the Balze starts near Castagnola; you can park near a small chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The waterfall on the Rio Malpasso is also accessible by an easy walk. You do not need to use the via ferrata or the suspension bridges to get there.

The Balze also have a short via ferrata with two equipped routes leading to the summit of Pizzo di Castel Pizzigolo. If you plan to take these routes, check the route details before setting out. Another distinctive feature of the landscape is the springs of Quara along the Dolo. Their thermal waters have been known since Roman times. Together, these places showcase different aspects of the municipal area: rock and deeply cut valleys, waterfalls, and thermal springs.

Trails with Different Destinations

The Sentiero dei Canepari is an almost entirely flat circular trail that starts and ends in the hamlet of Quara. By contrast, the Sentiero dei Ceccati starts and ends in Corneto. It is dedicated to the Ceccati family of artists, who made a name for themselves in woodworking and stone sculpture. The Centro studi I Ceccati is considered the ideal destination on this nature and art-and-culture trail. The two trails therefore differ not only in their starting points: one loops back to Quara, while the other connects Corneto with the memory of the Ceccati family.

The Oratorio della Madonna della Neve near Cavola is another point of interest for art history: the chapel houses a wooden altarpiece by the Ceccati family. A longer route is the Sentiero San Pellegrino, which leads from Toano to a well-known sanctuary in the province of Lucca. You can choose among these destinations according to your interests, without treating the different routes as interchangeable.

Architectural History and Tradition

In Toano, the Pieve matildica di Santa Maria in Castello is considered the oldest example of medieval architecture in this area. It is distinct from the Pieve di Santa Maria Assunta in Toano: visits to the latter are possible on Sundays by prior reservation, which must be made at least 48 hours in advance. If you would like to include this church in your plans, allow for the reservation deadline.

Other buildings add to the picture. The Casa dei Ceccati in Stiano is a fortified medieval house of the Apennines dating from the 14th to the early 15th century. The bell tower of the Church of San Martino in Corneto was designed by Antonio Ceccati and built between 1668 and 1676. Those interested in regional craftsmanship and architectural history will find several periods and building styles here, rather than just a single monument.

Manno Medioevale is part of local cultural life. For several years, it has featured a historical procession in costume, a medieval banquet, performances, and a market showcasing traditional crafts. Check the event date separately when planning your trip.

Mountain Cuisine

Local mountain cuisine includes green tortelli, as well as variations filled with pumpkin and potatoes. Torta di patate is served as a starter, a side dish, or a vegetarian main course. If food is part of your travel experience, these dishes offer a distinctive taste of the mountain region’s culinary tradition.

Getting There from Reggio Emilia

From Reggio Emilia, the signed route follows the SS 476 to Veggia, then the SS 486 toward Cerredolo and Toano. Check road conditions before setting off.

Discover More Destinations:

Ramiseto, La Collina, Cervarezza, Brescello, Castellazzo, Reggio Nell'emilia, Cerreto Laghi, Viano

For the broader travel overview: Reggio Emilia.