Pievepelago
Welcome to Pievepelago: the beauty of the Modenese Apennines
Hello everyone! Today we'll take you on a tour of Pievepelago, a small municipality of 2155 inhabitants located in the province of Modena in Emilia-Romagna. Pievepelago is a quiet mountain village located on the banks of the Scoltenna stream, in the center of the Pelago valley.
Territory
Pievepelago's territory is surrounded by mountains and chestnut, beech and coniferous forests, making it a perfect place for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts. Among the surrounding mountains, there are several lakes, including the Lago Santo modenese, Lago Baccio, Lago Turchino, Lago Piatto, and Lago Nero (Pistoia). The trails that traverse the area are numerous and, thanks to the beauty of nature, are one of the most popular attractions for visitors.
Climate
Pievepelago's climate is typically Apennine, characterized by fairly snowy winters and mild summers, where temperatures are not too hot and are ideal for outdoor activities.
History of Pievepelago
The first records of the town date back to 753, when the area was inhabited by the Lombards. The local church, later elevated to the rank of pieve ("plebs"), was first mentioned in a document from 1038. Pievepelago fell under the dominion of the Montegarullo, who built a fortress in the current Roccapelago fraction. Later, the area came under the control of the Estensi, who led Pievepelago until the end of the 18th century. Today, history can be admired at the Resistance Museum of Pievepelago, where you will find documents about the events of World War II and the Italian Resistance, as the city is located on the Gothic Line.
Tourism in Pievepelago
Pievepelago is a highly appreciated tourist destination, thanks to its location in the heart of the Modenese Apennines. The municipality is renowned for the Italian Tennis Federation's Summer Federal Tennis Center, which has seen many champions grow up, such as Adriano Panatta, Corrado Barazzutti, and Paolo Bertolucci. Football is another discipline that is not lacking in Pievepelago, having been the site of summer football retreats for two Serie A teams: Bologna Football Club and Società Sportiva Lazio.
The village offers many sports opportunities, including football, tennis, and sport fishing. During the winter season, visitors can enjoy alpine and cross-country skiing and off-beat activities (off-piste).
Natural attractions
Pievepelago offers numerous natural attractions, including the Antiche Orme trail and the Baccio, Santo modenese, Torbido, and Turchino lakes. Monte Giovo and Monte Rondinaio are ideal places for hiking and trekking, while the Scoltenna River is the perfect place for a nature walk.
Cultural attractions
Among the cultural attractions, we find the Via Vandelli, a road that runs through the municipality and represents one of the main connections between the Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany regions. The Mulino Domma, the first to be built, is an example of the town's industrial heritage. Among the cultural attractions, we also find the Sanctuary of the Madonna di Monticello, 5 km from Pievepelago, Rocca del Pelago in Roccapelago, the parish church of San Paolo in Roccapelago and the Borgo di Sant'Andrea, in Sant'Andreapelago.
Walking through the center of the municipality, you can admire the Plebana of Santa Maria Assunta di Pievepelago and the church of the Confraternity of Santa Maria Assunta. Pievepelago's extra touch is the Roncacci Celtic Hut, an ancient construction dating back to the Celtic civilization in Sant'Andrea Pelago.
In short, Pievepelago is a place that travelers of all tastes and interests can appreciate: from nature to history, from sports to culture, there is truly something for everyone.
