Castelvetro di Modena, in Emilia Romagna, was formerly an Etruscan settlement then, around 150 BC, Roman legions established a military garrison, a castrum (military camp), there. Hence the toponym "Castelvetro" derived from the Latin castrum vetus (old/ancient encampment).
The territory of Castelvetro combines scenic, cultural and food and wine merits and attractions with a land development policy based on the preservation and enhancement of its environment with a view to sustainable development.
The village, crossed entirely by the Guerro stream, offers a large number of cues for those who wish to learn about the history and culture of the area by rediscovering important evidence from the past.
Tourists can choose from a variety of thematic routes and guided tours of the local area and the Province of Modena, which can also be covered on foot or by mountain bike.
Piazza Roma is overlooked by the Town Hall, the Clock Tower (square plan, 13th century) and the Prison Tower (about 22 meters high, dating from about the 14th-15th centuries). Considered the real heart of the town, all the buildings located in the northern part of the Castle, except the Towers, were demolished to create an open space overlooking the valley below. Replacing the previous one, a black and white slab pavement was made in the center of the square to form a checkerboard pattern.
In addition to the Piazza, the Parish Church (1897) and the Castle of Levizzano Rangone, with its Matildic Tower and its dominant position on the beautiful hills of the same name, are definitely worth discovering.
But these are not the only suggestions that the village of Castelvetro offers visitors. In the picturesque landscape that surrounds it, a number of routes branch off to be traveled on foot or by mountain bike.
These routes, all to be discovered, wind along streams and ridges immersed in a scenery rich in ancient constructions and historic buildings (including the Oratory of San Michele Arcangelo, the Sanctuary of Puianello and the Churches of Solignano), plant essences typical of these areas, with views of particular beauty, among hills interrupted by majestic gullies.
Nearby there are parks and reserves that will let tourists discover a little corner of paradise. From Castelvetro to Levizzano among the Grasparossa vineyards, the Via dei Ciliegi between Vignola and Marano or even the Pilgrims' Route in Campiglio. These are just some of the 14 itineraries suggested for walking and biking lovers.
And if discovering the area and its beauties has whetted your appetite, Castelvetro boasts an array of unparalleled typical products including Lambrusco Grasparossa DOP, IGP balsamic vinegar (don't miss a visit to the Acetaia Comunale), Parmigiano Reggiano, Nocino and Prosciutto di Modena DOP.