Polinago between Nature and History

Polinago is located in the Frignano area, in the Val Rossenna, and offers views of Monte Cimone. The area's natural landscapes are varied in every season; possible activities include walks, trekking, cycling and horseback riding. There are also cultural and historical attractions covering a range of themes: a church built in several phases, a mill that is still operating, an oratory and the archaeological site of Ponte Ercole. When planning your stay, you can first decide whether to focus on the landscape and outdoor activities or on the history of the buildings and local area.

Landscapes and Trails

At Colle Ronco Vecchio, the trail follows a stream in places. Along the way, numerous small waterfalls and water features form among the rocks. The stream, rocks and small cascades define this stretch of the trail. Visitors interested in these kinds of landscape features will find a tangible connection to nature here. The Bagni di Brandola are also set in natural surroundings: the sulphurous spring is in the forest, just a few steps from Ca' Vecchia and Messer Polo. Lush vegetation, trails and streams are all part of the scenery.

A tourism description updated on 02/09/2024 mentions a trail from Brandola through the forest of the same name to the archaeological site of Ponte Ercole, also known as Ponte del Diavolo. At the destination is a 33-metre-long monolith of Roman origin beside the Lavacchiello stream. Ponte Ercole is one of the Geosites of Emilia-Romagna. Part of the trail follows the historic route of the Via Vandelli, a historic transport link between Modena and Massa in Tuscany. This excursion brings together nature, archaeological context and transport history.

For the Polinago panoramic route, a description updated in 2025 gives a walking time of 4 hours and 20 minutes for trekking and a cycling time of 1 hour and 30 minutes for mountain biking. The times differ by 2 hours and 50 minutes, providing a specific comparison of the activities listed. When planning, you can compare the relevant time with the time you have available.

The Bagni di Brandola are also of historical interest: their sulphurous spring was known as far back as Etruscan and Roman times. This long historical connection, combined with the forest setting, gives the site a different focus from the trails at Colle Ronco Vecchio or to Ponte Ercole.

Architectural and Local History

The Chiesa Parrocchiale dell'Assunta was built in 1073 under the patronage of Countess Matilda. Its current architectural structure dates from 1510. The bell tower was built in 1891 on the remains of a medieval structure. The dates therefore mark different building phases: the church's construction, its present architectural structure and the later tower.

The Oratorio di Santa Croce stands between Gombola and Talbignano on the banks of the Rossenna. Flooding of the Rossenna and nearby Cervaro stream damaged it in 1842; when it was rebuilt, it was given its current octagonal shape. An oratory dedicated to the Holy Cross has been documented at this site since 1006 and is associated with accounts of extraordinary events. The long tradition, the flood damage and its present form each give the oratory a distinct historical connection.

The Mulino di Gombola dates from the 19th century and is the last mill in the area still in operation. It adds another aspect to the area's history alongside its religious buildings: the tradition of milling and the continued use of a mill. Together with the church and oratory, it shows the variety of historical themes found in Polinago.

Regional Connections

Two provincial roads cross the Polinago area and connect it with Sassuolo and Pavullo nel Frignano; journey times are considered acceptable. If you are weighing up whether Polinago fits your travel plans, you can consider these road connections alongside your preferred focus on nature or culture.

Discover more destinations: Fiorano Modenese, Fiumalbo, Fanano, Faidello, San Prospero, Medolla, Pozza, Ravarino

For the main travel overview: Modena.