Castelnuovo Rangone

Castelnuovo Rangone is located about 40 km west of Bologna and about 13 km south of Modena at the boundary between the plain and the first pre-Apennines mountains. Since 1391 it became one of Rangoni family’s feuds. At the end of 1800, a lot remains from the Bronze Age (14th century BC) were found, testifying the ancient settlements of the "civilization of Terramare" (1650-1200 BC). Today, the most important economical activity is the production and treatment of pig meat. Dedicated to pig are a bronze statue in the center of the village and Superzampone, a great festival held every year in December in which a giant Zampone (noted by the Guinness Book of World Records) is cooked and offered for free to thousands of people

"Terramara di Montale" Archaeological Park and open-air Museum

Vignola

Vignola is a small town on the "Road of wines and flavour", whose name (from Vineola, small vineyard) evokes an ancient tie with vine growing. The municipality of Vignola is the reference point for a vast area that includes about thirty other municipalities scattered between province of Modena and Bologna, all with the vocation of fruit-farming. In addition to cherries, they olso boast a consolidated typicality for plums, apples, pears, apricot and peaches. The Castle, one of the most interesting samples of fortified architecture in the region, was originally built for defence purposes, but during the rule of Contrari it was transformed in a somptuous dwelling full of decorations and frescoes, on the model of the Este's family dwellings in Ferrara. Piazza Garibaldi is also the place where you will find the old confectioner's ship Gollini, where the renowned Torta Barozzi has been produced for over a century, a typical refined local delicacy whose recipe is still unknown and jealously kept secret in the pastry making rooms of the Gollini family.

The Rocca of Vignola

SERRAMAZZONI

The town of Serramazzoni is located in the  Province of Modena, in the mountains of Frignano. Regarding the origin of the name of   this town, the geographical term "serra" means   "barrier or mountain chain that stretches for   some distance without interruption". The town   lies on the mountain ridge that goes from Torre   della Bastiglia to Mount Ravaglia, and creates a   real barrier for anyone climbing the mountain   from the plains. Serramazzoni is a fairly young town; it was not until the roads called Via Vandelli and Via   Giardini were built in 1749 and 1776 respectively, that a village developed on this   mountain ridge. We find the area mentioned in the Statutes of Modena in 1327 as "Serra de Legorzano. The fourteenth-century statutes included the   obligation to obey the laws of Modena for people   living below Serra de Legorzano. The heads of families were required to attend the   Feast of the 31st of January for three days,   bringing with them a large candle in homage of  San Geminiano, the patron saint of Modena.

The Ancient Rose Museum Garden

MODENA

This town has been rich in culture and art since the age of the medieval Duomo, which, together with Piazza Grande and Torre Ghirlandina is a “Unesco World Heritage Site” . Capital of the Este duchy since 1598, with lots of beautiful churches and buildings in baroque style, in the 19th century it was famous for its theatres, which today echo with Luciano Pavarotti's voice. This beautiful City of Art is famous above all for its very tasty gastronomy (tortellini, zampone, and balsamic vinegar...) and for its bonds with the cars of our dreams such as Ferrari and Maserati.

The Cathedral of Modena

BOLOGNA

Bologna is a lively and cosmopolitan city, with spectacular history, art, cuisine, music and culture. The first settlements date back to at least one millennium before Christ and testify that Bologna has always been an important urban center, first under the Etruscans and the Celts, then under the Romans, then again in the Middle Ages, as a free municipality. Home to the oldest university in the world, founded in 1088, Bologna hosts thousands of students who enrich the social and cultural life of the city. Famous for its towers and lengthy porticoes, Bologna has a well-preserved historical centre (one of the largest in Italy) thanks to a careful restoration and conservation policy. The importance of this cultural and artistic center can be attributed to homogenous mixture of monuments and architectural examples (medieval towers, antique buildings, churches, the layout of its historical center) as well as works of art which are the result of a first class architectural and artistic history. Sometimes called "Bologna the fat" for the great traditional food, the city is a great place to indulge yourself. Other names for Bologna include "Bologna the learned" and "Bologna the red." The first refers to the presence of the oldest still existing university in Europe, founded in 1088 AD. The presence of the university is quite noticeable, in terms of cultural activities, bars, and general life. "Bologna the red" officially refers to the red roofs of the city.

For a great view of Piazza Maggiore climb the "Torre degli Asinelli", a great starting point for your explorations. Don't forget to visit the seven churches of Santo Stefano, the 16th-century Neptune Fountain and the Pinacoteca whith the excellent collection of Italian Renaissance art.

FIORANO MODENESE

Fiorano Modenese is about 15 km southwest of Modena. Ferrari's private testing track, the Fiorano Circuit, is located on the border with Maranello. The symbol of the village is the marian basilica Shrine of Our Lady of the Castle that stands over a hill. Inside it is conserved a miracle mural painting, perhaps originally a medieval majesty, which in 1558 had not been damaged by Spanish fire. In 1630 the people was preserved from the plague, this gave rise to a great popular devotion and led to the construction of the sanctuary. The temple was completed in 1855 when Fiorano spared from cholera. A large number of votive offerings and some paintings confirm the devotion which continues to surround the Blessed Virgin, attracting thousands of people every year.

"Salse di Nirano" Natural Reserve
The Spezzano Castle