From Pieve di San Vitale to the castle of Carpineti and Monte San Vitale – loop tour

Embark on an easy 2.9-mile (4.6 km) loop tour from Pieve di San Vitale, offering a diverse hiking experience in the Reggio Apennines. You will gain 629 feet (192 metres) of elevation over approximately 1 hour and 27 minutes, traversing varied terrain including hiking paths, mule tracks, and some paved sections. The route leads through dense woods of oak, hornbeam, and ancient chestnut groves, which are especially beautiful in autumn. As you hike, you will enjoy remarkable panoramic views of the surrounding Apennine landscape, including distant peaks like Monte Cusna and Pietra di Bismantova. You will also get scenic perspectives of the historic Carpineti Castle, a key landmark on this journey.

While generally considered easy and suitable for most skill levels, some sections of the trail involve a slight ascent and can be moderately challenging. You might encounter very short, narrow, steep, and exposed stretches, so proper hiking boots are highly recommended for your safety and comfort. Be aware that parts of the route, especially those incorporated from the "Sentiero Dorato," can be slightly exposed and slippery, particularly after rain. Autumn is an especially appealing time to visit, as the extensive chestnut groves make it ideal for chestnut picking.

This loop is steeped in history, connecting two significant Matildic sites: the ancient Pieve di San Vitale, dating back to 980 AD, and the Castello di Carpineti, an important medieval defensive stronghold. Both the Pieve and the castle have undergone restoration, with the Pieve housing a small museum. The route also passes by the Oratories of Santa Maria Maddalena and San Michele, the latter situated in an area rich with archaeological finds. You will also find geological and paleontological points of interest, including a landslide area rich in fossils near Monte Valestra.