A real treasure trove of biodiversity, also rich in history and just waiting to be explored.
The Riserva Naturale Orientata di Sassoguidano (Sassoguidano Oriented Nature Reserve) covers an area that is of considerable importance from an environmental point of view due to its biological diversity and rarity. The Cinghio di Malvarone rock formation, the Lerna stream, the Sassomassiccio marsh, the thick oak and chestnut forests, as well as hedges, meadows and farmland, make this area – home to numerous protected animal and plant species – one of the most important nature reserves in our region.
Located south-east of the town of Pavullo, it is part of a larger area, overlooking the banks of the Scoltenna and Panaro rivers, which is included in the European Natura 2000 Network of Protected Areas, as the Gaiato – Sassoguidano SCI (Site of Community Importance).
The reserve, which stretches over an area of about 700 acres, has a north-east/south-west development of about 5 km and an altitude ranging from 460 to 704 metres above sea level.
Along the paths of the Sassoguidano Reserve you will come across the hamlet of La Torre, with its farm animals, chapel and manor house, and the hamlet of Còrnola, an ancient watermill with its large iron waterwheel dating back to the 15th century.
How to reach the reserve
We advise you to reach the reserve by car and from there continue on foot, following one of the proposed itineraries.
We recommend parking in the large car park at the beginning of Via Sassomassiccio, 0km. There are also two further stopping points at 1 km and 2km, especially recommended for those with special needs.
Guided tours
It is possible to book tours with expert local guides to discover the reserve in more depth.
To organise an excursion, please send us an email.
The Visitor Centre
The Visitor Centre, housed in a rural building especially restored for this purpose, is located at the heart of the Reserve, near the Church of Sassoguidano, at the following address: Via Sassomassiccio 21, Sassoguidano di Pavullo nel Frignano, Modena.
The renovation work was carried out strictly in line with green building criteria.
The building is very welcoming: upon entering, visitors find a warm reception room where they can sit by the stone fireplace and ask qualified staff for general information about the Sassoguidano Oriented Nature Reserve.
Various pamphlets and guides are on offer, including a leaflet on the three themed trails through the reserve, and the booklet, “Birds of Prey Nesting at the Reserve”, as well as the video, “Rino the Hedgehog and the Enchanted Reserve”.
A beautiful old staircase leads downstairs to a small didactic room equipped with projector and multimedia facilities, where the visitor is taken on an imaginary journey to discover the most characteristic places and learn about the rarest species of local flora and fauna.
Upstairs, on the top floor with its wooden-beamed ceiling, there is an exhibition room with a permanent display of stunning photographs depicting the birds of prey which periodically nest in the reserve. Your mind can soar through the skies of Sassoguidano like the birds photographed in flight, and you can also enjoy a tour of one of the temporary exhibitions held here.
Both outdoor and indoor areas are easily accessible to all.
For information: +39 333 2710068
For opening hours: +39 333 2710068
