Located in the foothills of the Reggio Emilia Apennines and just a few kilometers from our farmhouse, Casalgrande is a delightful town also known as the capital of the ceramics industry. The municipality, which occupies the central-eastern area of the province of Reggio Emilia, is formed not only by the main town but also by the hamlets of Dinazzano, Salvaterra, San Donnino di Liguria, Sant’Antonino, Veggia and Villalunga. Casalgrande itself is further divided into two hamlets: Boglioni and Casalgrande Alto. The earliest historical records of Casalgrande date back to the second half of the 10th century AD, although finds in neighboring areas suggest that these lands were inhabited since prehistoric times by Celtic tribes.
Strolling through its streets it is possible to admire some interesting monuments, among which the old castle, perhaps already existing in 1200, stands out for its historical importance. In 1557 the castle was the protagonist of a glorious page of history, when a few men managed to resist the assaults of the Spanish for days, giving in only when a fatal accident took away their valid means of defense, and the castle was then destroyed. What remains of the castle consists of a 15th-century rural courtyard equipped with two square towers, as well as the entrance keep, with remnants of battlements and portal provided with slits for the drawbridge. Not far away, on the top of a hill, stands the Castle of Dinazzano, from which there is a wonderful view of the plains of Reggio Emilia and Modena. Today all that remains of the castle is the tower of the keep, equipped with battlements and plumbholes, and a few ruins of the surrounding walls.
Other monuments and places of interest worth a visit include: the “old” church of Casalgrande, dedicated to St. Bartholomew the Apostle and located on a hill overlooking the ancient village; Villa Spalletti, dating from the 17th-17th centuries and surrounded by a fine park with groves, huts, ponds, nurseries, stables and an oratory dedicated to “Mater Pietatis” built towards the end of the 19th century; and Salvaterra Castle, dating from around the year 1000. In recent years, several urban parks have been created and developed in Casalgrande, which have helped to enrich urban spaces with greenery. These include Amarcord Park in Via Rossellini, Image Park in Via Marx, La Riserva Park in Via Castello di Casalgrande, and Secchia Park in Via Smonto Secchia.
AGRITURISMO IL BRUGNOLO
Welcome to il Brugnolo
If you’re looking for completely independent apartments surrounded by greenery you really are in the right place here!
In fact, Brugnolo is immersed in the green nature of the Emilian countryside. For your relaxation, for that of your children, and again for the runs of your 4-legged friends, you will have 6000 square meters of park at your disposal!
