The Percorso Belvedere, a country trail
in three sections, starts at Casona, a short distance up the Panaro
valley from Marano. This well marked pathway is suitable for
walkers, horse-riders or mountain-bikers. Since it takes 4.5,
5 or 6 hours to cover the whole distance, depending on the means
of transport used, the trail is best travelled in sections to
allow time for the return, as it can be reached by car at many
points. The trail, which consists of unpaved roads, paths and
some stretches of metalled road, is best enjoyed in spring or
autumn and offers a variety of landscape, natural features and
homesteads and hamlets. The dominant vegetation consist of hornbeam,
oak and chestnut, depending on the height above sea level, while
the undergrowth offers a wealth of shrubs and flowers. In the
first section, the pathway follows the Rio Frascara, crossing
and re-crossing the stream on a series of small bridges. At the
first picnic area, there is access to a gully containing an attractive
little waterfall. Two interesting features are just a few minutes
apart: the first is the Romanesque pieve di Trebbio,
(see "Romanesque architecture in the mountains")
which is followed by the Sassi di Roccamalatina
(see "A landscape sculpted by the weather")
. As woodlands, chestnut groves and hamlets alternate, the
path leads on to Castellino delle Formiche (a small hamlet nestling
in a circle around its tower) and Samone (with its historic centre
dominated by a rugged medieval fortress/house). Continuing along
our route, we come to Monte della Cisterna and the Rifugio della
Riva (777 metres above sea level) before descending to Monalbano
(395 metres), the end of the first section. The second section
of the path brings us to Montese (802 metres above sea level)
and then leads on through chestnut groves, woodlands and stream
crossings to two points of natural interest, the Orrido Canobi
and the Orrido Gea, between Sasso Baldino and Montello. Medieval
remains along the route include the ruins of the Monte Questiolo
castle and the XII Century Rangoni Tower at Rosola. The 3rd section
(the only part not completely marked) climbs towards Maserno and
Monteforte (930 metres above sea level), with traces of a former
castle and the XIV Century frescos of a small oratory. The final
stretch ascends to the summit of Monte Belvedere (1138 metres)
before dropping down to Castelluccio.
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