Historical Outline

, but we feel certain that even a visitor with little time may find reasons for discoverying and Although rich with historical memories, laying out of the main tourist routes the provinces of Balsamico are little known. In antiquity the region was passed through by several populations both of Nordic and of Roman/Etruscan origins which, having a comparatively easy transit, unimpeded by major natural obstacles, left important traces of their crossings and also of their permanence. We are referring to settlements by Etruscans and Romans and to the presence of Boi Gauls, as shown by present toponimy as well, and of the Longobards, who bequeathed us splendid country churches in Romanic style; we are referring to medieval castles and fortifications, to remarkable Renaissance courts. Listing historical and architectural points of great interest is a labourious task indeed appreciating such precious, and sometimes unsuspected heritage.

Places to visit

Modena, the Roman ‘Mutina’ of antiquity, the capital city of a ducal state which belonged to the House of Este from 1500 until the unification of Italy, is rich with an urban structure and with buildings which recall its importance of old, including the marvellous Romanic cathedral with its celebrated bell tower ‘Ghirlandina’, the Duke’s palace -now the seat of the military academy-, the Este museums etc. Reggio Em. has been an important provincial capital and it too has places of historical interest, as the cathedral and the Valli theatre; but it is a few kilometres from it in the hills that Countess Mathilda of Canossa had a system of castles erected in defence of her vast feud. Some of them are in a good state of repair and can still be visited. We must also mention Carpi’s marvellous Renaissance square and the several mansions of the same period to be found just about anywhere in the country. In the hills, nature has preserved attractive landscapes, whilst in the plains a strong urbanization has drastically reduced the charm of uncontaminated lands. However, it is possible to walk through smallholdings and meadows of great beauty, and men and women still capable of living at the seasons’ rythm can still be encountered. There is a more and more active interest for the presence in the territory of advanced technology plants like the Ferrari factory, which is the seat of a fascinating museum of its own cars at Maranello, or like the De Tomaso and the Maserati plants, manufacturers of top class automobiles, famous and coveted throughout the world.

Vinegar Plants

Of great interest for enogastronomy connoisseurs is the visit of places where Balsamico is actually produced. In effect, the stimulating view of vinegar batteries with scaled down vats lodged in the attics of splendid rural mansions is becoming a good opportunity for the discovery of the charm of the unique ageing procedure. In this connection it is advisable to have a stop-over at Spilamberto for a visit to the museum consecrated to this extraordinary vinegar.

The Lambrusco Vineries

The same can be said with regard to the typical wine of the areas where the grapes which are one of the main basis for Balsamico are cultivated. Vineries of these provinces are getting equipped with sommelliers’ halls, with possibility of guided visits. Also, shows and functions fostering this product are becoming more and more numerous. www.vinolambrusco.it

The Cuisine

Last, it is well known that visitors are pleased to stop in the area to enjoy the tasty, flavour-rich, traditional typical cuisine, so firmly tied to Lambrusco, parmesan cheese and above all to Balsamico, the latter being the partner of marvellous unions. High prestige restaurants and modest inns find a common ground in the original criteria of submitting to the severe tests of the residents, connoisseurs from time immemorial accustomed to genuine home cuisine, where grannies are still performing at their best in the preparation of the best specialties based on cappelletti or tortellini, zampone and cotechino, fried gnocco and tigelle.

Organize your Visits with our Assistance

Upon booking, the site association puts at your disposal its ability of organizing tourist/gastronomic trips right in the area. For informations and estimates please send your e-mail to info……. or fax +39 059 665336