The Monte Manulo and Santa Margherita Hills

Now the route continues past the Dario Ballotta sports field in the direction of Santa Margherita. Near a left-hand bend you come to a crossroads where you turn right onto a country road which leads to a 2 km stretch of provincial road SP71. On your right, you will shortly pass a house with a gravel road linking the provincial road to the Monfestone road. Keep straight on here as far as Osteria del Sole, just one km away from the Santa Maria del Gisolo building complex, which comprises a Romanesque church and medieval tower house. Continuing in the direction of the road to Banzola, you will come across a series of bends in the midst of fields and vineyards and, at the end of a challenging climb, to Monte Manulo Sanctuary. Built to a Greek cross central plan, the sanctuary has a gabled façade and a portico held up by Doric columns. After fording the Gisolo brook you are nearly at Tabiano Castle, one of upper Emilia’s most important feudal era defensive monuments and the military fortress of the Pallavicino marquises. It was completely renovated in the 19th century thanks to the work of many great local artists and artisans who contributed to decorating its private and reception rooms with wonderful frescoes and floors. The building is still used today for weddings, events and celebrations. The castle can be visited in the company of expert guides. The next road to take is in the direction of Fidenza, passing through Longone Colombaia and the small village of Cabriolo. This is the last stage on our return journey, the church devoted to St Thomas Becket, also known as the Cabriolo parish church or ‘cacobrolo’ as it was called in ancient times.