Discover Guiglia: Hidden Castles, Ancient Trees, and Unmissable Delicacies in Emilia’s Heart
Nestled on the first hills along the right bank of the Panaro River, Guiglia, also known as the “Balcony of Emilia”, overlooks a stunning horizon. This charming town in the province of Modena is surrounded by the vibrant nature of the Sassi di Roccamalatina Regional Park, a haven of biodiversity. The park covers 2,300 hectares, featuring chestnut groves, woods, and cultivated fields. Towering over the landscape are sandstone spires that rise up to 70 meters, natural wonders called Sassi. This protected area also includes medieval villages, the Borlengo Museums, and even a Tigella Exhibition. The park offers 100 kilometers of trails, divided into 12 marked routes for hiking, horseback riding, or cycling, offering truly immersive experiences. Perched at the foot of Sasso della Croce is the Borgo dei Sassi, or Rocca di Sopra. Nearby, you can also visit the Oratory of the Madonnina dei Sassi, known for its 15th-century bas-reliefs and a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary that has been revered by the locals of Roccamalatina for centuries.
What to See in Guiglia and Surroundings
In the heart of the park stands the Pieve di Trebbio, dedicated to St. John the Baptist, a remarkable 11th-century example of Romanesque Apennine architecture. In Monte Orsello, the Church of the Assumption, alongside a 13th-century bell tower, contains a valuable terracotta Madonna with Child, sculpted in 1545 by Antonio Begarelli. This piece holds special significance due to its connection with a local miracle—it survived the collapse of the original Church of Santa Maria.
Close by is a 16th-century tower house in Bottazza, a village with a courtyard, not far from the Mulino d’Andrea, an ancient mill that has remained intact, as well as the Mulino delle Vallecchie, accessible via trail no. 3 in the Sassi Park. These mills still feature the original 16th-century millstones. The journey continues to Castellino di Guglia, a small village built into the rock, clustered around a medieval tower that survived the Castellino delle Formiche. Also worth visiting is the Oratory of San Lorenzo, which stands alongside the Church of Santo Stefano.
For those interested in learning more about the fascinating Sassi formations, the Fontanazzo Information Center offers valuable educational exhibits. The permanent display, Gli Ambienti del Parco, explains the park’s natural history and human impact, complemented by over 700 monographic volumes in the Historical-Naturalistic Library. For hands-on learning, visit the Educational-Scientific Laboratory or explore the Botanical Path.
The Castle of Guiglia
According to historical documents, the village of Guiglia has existed since at least 890 AD. Situated in a territory once controlled by the Ligurians, Guiglia’s medieval period saw the construction of numerous castles, including its own, which was burned down in 1361 during Guelph-Ghibelline conflicts. It was later rebuilt and in 1405 was handed to the Pio di Carpi family. The castle was eventually transformed into a noble residence by the Montecuccoli family, who sought to restore its architectural grandeur after the area’s demilitarization.
In 1897, the castle was auctioned and purchased by Swiss engineer Giovanni Beusch, who converted it into a hotel with a spa complex. During World War II, the castle was repurposed as a military hospital while the town of Guiglia served as a strategic refuge for the Nazis near the Gothic Line. Today, the castle is a cultural hub dedicated to tourism, hospitality, and recreational activities. The Torre del Pubblico, with its beautiful terracotta portal, remains a key attraction.
Adjacent to the castle is the Oratorio della Madonnina, modeled after the Sanctuary of San Luca in Bologna, albeit on a smaller scale. Inside are three niches, a single altar, and the Montecuccoli family tombs beneath a circular lantern dome.
The Sofia Horse Chestnut
Within Guiglia’s municipal boundaries stands a natural monument, the Sofia Horse Chestnut, a towering tree as tall as a three-story building. Its branches extend over 70 meters, offering impressive shade. Historical accounts reveal that, during World War II, a German unit from the Afrika Korps used the tree to conceal a large cache of ammunition and even set up an open-air school for radio operators beneath its branches.
Events, Festivals, and Local Delicacies
Guiglia is known for its culinary delights, including the famous gnocco fritto, crescentina, and the celebrated borlengo—a thin, crispy pastry made from flour, water, eggs, and salt, served with a savory cunza made of bacon, lard, garlic, and rosemary, topped with Parmigiano Reggiano. Every May, the Sagra del Borlengo offers the perfect opportunity to taste this local delicacy, while July brings the lively Sagra di San Luigi.
How to Get to Guiglia
To reach Guiglia, take the A1 Autostrada del Sole and exit at Modena Sud towards Vignola, following the SP 623 and continuing on SP 4 to your destination. By train, arrive at Modena Central Station and take a SETA bus for the remaining 32 km. From Bologna Airport, take the AerBus SETA Line to Modena Station and continue by bus.