Toghi: Montecreto

Montecreto Italy

The village lies within the Modena Apennines Regional Park, at the foot of Monte Cimone. Montecreto’s flagship feature is its chestnut park, a truly unique forest. The chestnut trees, some planted in the time of Matilda of Canossa, create an atmosphere of deep calm and peace, making this one of the most beautiful outdoor areas in the Apennines. Montecreto is a popular summer destination thanks to its gentle, lush landscape, and a winter resort thanks to snow sports in the Monte Cimone ski area. With 50 km of interconnected slopes, the ski area can be accessed with a single electronic ski pass and is served by modern, fast lifts. The town developed around the church of St John. Once part of an ancient fortress, today only sections of the walls and one of the three towers remain, the latter converted into the parish church’s bell tower. The old town, especially Via Castello with its courtyards, balconies and carved doorways, is an excellent example of a fortified street. The village is surrounded by woods of chestnut, beech and fir, while higher up the forest gives way to blueberry and raspberry plants. Wildlife is varied: deer, marmots and buzzards can often be seen, and there is evidence of wolves. On the edge of the Chestnut Park stands the Shrine of Our Lady of Trogolino, dedicated to Our Lady of Life. The sanctuary houses a painting of the Madonna and Child and takes its unusual name from a local legend, according to which the image was found beneath an animal feeding trough, known as a “trogolino”. Montecreto also has a chairlift that brings visitors up to the summit of Monte Cervarola, just a 30‑minute walk from Lago della Ninfa (Sestola).

Recommended airport

Bologna Airport (BLQ)

Nearby destinations

Montecreto, Italy

Montecreto Italy