In Reggio Apennines it is possible to find some red giant benches of the world circuit Big Bench Community Project. They are off-scale attractions, placed in particularly panoramic places, according to the project born in 2009 from an idea of the American designer Chris Bangle. The concept lies in the change of perspective given by the size of the bench, which makes people feel like a child, able to marvel at the beauty of the landscape, stopping to look at it with a more curious look. There are ten Big Benches in this area, set in various villages such as Ligonchio, Baiso, Mount Fosola and Castellarano. We will visit three of them, with an itinerary surrounded by nature, between hills and ridges, in the UNESCO MaB Reserve of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines.
The first Giant Bench encountered on the way up from the Po Valley is in Baiso.
To reach it, start from the town center, leaving the car in the parking lot in front of Bar Castello. From here, a short 25-minute walk along CAI path 632 leads to the top of Poggio La Balota, where the big orange bench offers a spectacular view with a panorama stretching from Mount Cimone to the Calatrava bridges of Reggio Emilia. On a clear day, it is even possible to catch a glimpse of Bologna's Asinelli Towers and the Venetian Prealps.
Next to the bench is also an outdoor bookstore, perfect for a literary stop.
What to see and do
Returning to the car, a lunch break in a typical restaurant or trattoria is recommended, where you can enjoy local dishes before continuing the itinerary.
In the afternoon, after about a 30-minute drive, just stop along the SP 79 road to arrive at Big Bench No. 280 in the locality of Trinità in the municipality of Casina.
Easy to reach, being one of the most accessible it is not strenuous to get there, this red and white bench is located in a large panoramic meadow, with a 360-degree view of the Pietra di Bismantova, the Reggio Emilia and Modena Apennines, the Matilda Hills and the Po Valley.
Among other things, some of the main castles, which belonged to Matilda of Canossa, are clearly visible: that of Sarzano and Rossena in addition to the tower of Rossenella.
A few minutes away is another unmissable bench: the Canossa Big Bench No. 212-yellow and blue-located in Albareto.
After parking in the square of the bus stop, the distance to cover on foot to reach it and admire a magnificent view of the Val d'Enza and the Parma Apennines is just 200 meters . The day will end in the best way with a typical dinner and rest in one of the local accommodations, characteristic agritourisms, b&b or inns that can be consulted on the Appennino reggiano turismo portal.
For an authentic experience, the day can only end with dinner and overnight stay in characteristic agritourisms, B&Bs and inns in the area.
The second day begins with a walk to the Giant Bench of Mount Fosola, which can be reached from Felina, in the municipality of Castelnovo ne' Monti.
We recommend using the handy geolocation on the site to figure out exactly where to park. After a slightly uphill walk of about 30 minutes, you arrive at the first Giant (red) Bench installed in Emilia-Romagna in 2018.
What to see and do
Just enough time for a lunch enjoying the typical dishes of the Reggio Emilia Apennines in Felina or Castelnovo ne' Monti, and the itinerary continues to the next giant bench.
The next leg of the itinerary leads to Ligonchio, a charming village in the high mountains of Reggio Emilia.
After about a 45-minute drive from Felina, you arrive at the small square in Ligonchio di Sopra, the starting point for Big Bench No. 86, located on Monte della Croce.
The trail starts near the pizzeria "Il Faro" and in 20 minutes of walking (uphill path, but short and within everyone's reach, even children) you arrive at the shocking pink bench, which offers incredible views of the Enel Power Plant, the Ozola Valley and the Bismantova Stone.
A picture-postcard sunset over the valley, perfect for ending the day with a spectacular backdrop.
Returning from the walk, there is no shortage of places to dine and stay overnight in the village of Ligonchio, with traditional cuisine, surrounded by the National Park of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines.
After the overnight stay in Ligonchio we head to the sixth Big Bench, located a few kilometers from Collagna, in Ventasso Municipality.
Starting from Ligonchio, we reach it by heading first to Busana and then continuing along State Road 63 to Collagna. From here you continue to Valbona along a paved road among the pastures, leave your car and then walk a few hundred meters to the Big Bench, which is green in color.
This Giant Bench is located on Mount Ca' di Viola in a very scenic area overlooking the Secchia Valley and the Gessi Triassici, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It is reached by heading toward Castelnovo ne' Monti along State Road 63 to the locality of Sparavalle, at the point where the restaurant "La Baita d'oro," whose owners wanted to install the Bench, is located.
One must leave the car at this very point, and then continue on foot following the unmistakable signs.After about 40 minutes of walking (without great inclines) one will reach the Big Bench, which is cyclamen-colored and offers a very wide view of both the valley and the surrounding mountains and the Pietra di Bismantova.
This brings the day to a close; all that remains is to return home or stay overnight at one of the local facilities, after getting your Big Bench Passport stamped.
