Lands of Countess Matilde
This itinerary is about 95 km long with an uphill section of around 400 m (the ride from Ciano to the Castle at Canossa). It sticks to the normal minor and major tarmac roads. You start out from the CONI Centre in town and go north, first passing through Castelnovo Monti followed by Canossa, Casina, Viano, Baiso and Carpineti. This loop is suitable for any type of cycle and includes an uphill time trial (Canossa Castle). It is of medium difficulty with a total length of 95 km and an overall uphill/downhill difference in altitude of 1.363 m.
The itinerary crosses some of the most significant places in the hills and mid Apennines close to Reggio Emilia and offers you a glimpse of some extremely interesting scenery in the former lands of Countess Matilda.
This touring itinerary centres around Canossa Castle. The excellent strategic position of the castle, on top of a white sandstone crag, has made a natural stronghold since ancient times. It was able to communicate with beacons and send messages to all of the other castles in the fief, which extended well past the current area of Reggio Emilia. The famous meeting between Emperor Henry IV and Pope Gregory VII took place here in 1077. The museum was recently renovated and is worth visiting.
More Routes in the Province of Reggio Emilia
Via Roma, 15/b - 42035 Castelnovo ne' Monti (RE)
Tel. 0522 810430 - Fax 0522 812313
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