This trail follows the route of the Piccola Cassia, an ancient Roman road (also used later in the Middle Ages as a connecting route to the Via Francigena) that was meant to reach the Po valley from Tuscany: indeed, the modern path connects Nonantola to Pistoia.
The route starts from Valsamoggia, a hilly area located between Modena and Bologna, famous for dairy and wine production: in fact, among the most famous typical products of the area we have Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and PDO wines produced by the "Consorzio Colli Bolognesi." Among the gentle slopes of Valsamoggia there are also medieval villages that hand down important testimonies of the past, such as Castello di Serravalle, where every stone speaks of history, Bazzano with its imposing fortress and Monteveglio with its famous abbey, erected at the behest of Matilda of Canossa. Piccola Cassia then continues on the Apennines, proceeding from Tolé to Castel d'Aiano. At this point the landscape changes from a hilly to a mountainous environment, but the charm of the trail remains unaltered. After the Belvedere area, you will also pass Fanano and then Ospitale, in Modenese territory: the route then continues towards Tuscany to Pistoia, the final destination of the journey.
A number of sections have recently been added to the Piccola Cassia, making it possible to reach the route directly from Bologna (one joins the route at Monteveglio) and connecting Gaggio Montano to Porretta Terme: both towns are provided with public means of transport, a service that naturally helps the enjoyment of the path and allows daily hikes on the trail.
Piccola Cassia is perfect for walkers and cyclists looking for an experience that brings them in touch with nature without detaching themselves too much from more urbanized areas and small local towns, with a focus on good food and local products.