Toghi: Montecreto

Montecreto Italy

The village lies within the Modena Apennines Regional Park, at the foot of Mount Cimone. Montecreto is home to a remarkable chestnut park, a truly unique forest. Here, chestnut trees planted in the time of Matilda of Canossa create an atmosphere of deep serenity and peace, earning the area a place among the most beautiful outdoor settings in the Apennines. Montecreto is a popular summer destination thanks to its gentle, lush landscape, and a winter getaway thanks to snow sports at the Mount Cimone ski resort. With 50 km of interconnected slopes, the ski area can be accessed with a single electronic ski pass and is served by modern, high-speed lifts. The town is built around the Church of St. John. Once 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 historic center, especially Via Castello with its courtyards, balconies, and carved doorways, is an excellent example of a fortified street. The village is surrounded by woodlands of chestnut, beech, and fir, while at higher elevations the forest gives way to plants such as blueberries and raspberries. Wildlife is abundant: deer, marmots, and buzzards are commonly seen, and there is evidence of wolves. At 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 legend recounting how the image was found beneath an animal feeding trough, known locally as a “trogolino” or “trough.” Montecreto also has a chairlift that carries 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