© Giorgio Barbato, Stefano Semenzato, redazione ART
The territory of Lizzano in Belvedere rises at the foot of the main mountains of the Bolognese High Apennines, enclosing within its borders some of the most characteristic valleys and villages of the entire mountain district.
The area consists of the many small hamlets scattered along the slopes: Farnè, Gabba, La Cà, Monteacuto, Pianaccio, Poggiolforato, Querciola, Rocca Corneta, Vidiciatico and Villaggio Europa.
THE SURROUNDINGS
Situated near the Corno alle Scale Regional Park, countless routes depart from Lizzano to discover the Dardagna Valley or the Upper Silla Valley, immersed in enchanting centuries-old beech and chestnut forests.
The vast high-altitude pastures are home to the Corno ski resort in winter, while in summer the entire area is a green oasis where you can spend your days in the fresh mountain air, walking on the many paths that venture among the true pearls of the area: from the Dardagna waterfalls, to the sheet of water of Lake Scaffaiolo, to the many ancient villages perched on the mountains and hidden in the dense forests.
THE HAMLETS
You cannot miss a visit to the small village of Monteacuto delle Alpi, settled on the high ground overlooking the Silla valley and from which there is a fantastic view of the high ridge of Corno alle Scale (1,945m asl). Very close by is Pianaccio, the birthplace of journalist Enzo Biagi, from which one can leave to reach Monte Grande or the Segavecchia refuge.
Not far away we find Poggiolforato, an ancient stone village that film lovers will recognize for having been the set of the filming of the movie “La Gita Scolastica” by Bologna director Pupi Avati. One of the most important mountain museums in the area is based here: in fact, you can visit the “Giovanni Carpani” Ethnographic Museum, dedicated to mountain culture, with more than 3,000 exhibits.
Rocca Corneta, on the other hand, is located on a sharp, isolated hill where the ancient 14th-century fortress tower towers, which seemed impregnable in the early 1300s and now silently observes the mountains of the Dardagna valley. Not far away, the church of San Martino houses an ancient image of the Madonna and Child, which attracts a large number of pilgrims.
The municipality of Lizzano is also home to one of the most important shrines in the Bolognese Apennines: the Madonna dell’Acero, linked to miraculous events that occurred in ages long gone by, is a building of great historical-architectural interest, nestled in the fabulous beech forests of high altitude.
TASTING
Lizzano boasts a solid mountain gastronomic tradition, in which the flavors of typical Emilian cuisine begin to merge with the tastes of nearby Tuscany.
The symbolic protagonist of the entire Apennines is the chestnut tree, the bread tree, whose fruits have been the main source of support for the local population since ancient centuries and which we find in typical products such as ciacci, fritters and, of course, frugiate (roasted chestnuts).
At the table, one can enjoy traditional Bolognese dishes such as tortellini, tortelloni and lasagna, all the way to that of Modena, which includes borlenghi – here called zampanelle – and crescentine montanare – fugacine in the local dialect or tigelle for the truly layman).
In addition, the entire area of the High Bolognese Apennines is home to the blueberry, whose plants ignite the highest slopes bright red between late August and early September.
