Lama Mocogno

Lama Mocogno is situated in the heart of the Frignano Regional Park, 60 km from Modena.

It stands at 842 m above sea level, looking down on the valleys of the rivers Scoltenna and Mocogno, with wide open views of Mount Cimone. It enjoys a privileged position thanks to important communication routes which pass through, connecting the different mountain villages of the area.

Natural resources in the surrounding area are plentiful, and include vast chestnut, oak, beech and fir forests.
The abundant fauna includes foxes, wild boars, owls and hawks, and the meadows and pastures of the mountain ridge are rich in vegetation, consisting of lilies, daffodils, rhododendron shrubs and several protected species of flower.

Reasons to go

With its picturesque setting, overlooking the Modena Apennines, it is the ideal destination for those looking for peace and quiet amid natural surroundings on their skiing holiday.

Its deeply rooted traditions are kept very much alive, thanks to a number of cultural organisations involved in the production of various festivals which bring ancient customs and traditions back to life, attracting both local people and visitors from further afield.

When to come and what to do

It is one of the oldest holiday destinations in the Apennines, opening as a ski resort in 1928. Over the years it has become a popular destination both in summer and winter, thanks to its many attractions and clean, fresh air. In the village, there are sports facilities such as tennis courts, volleyball and basketball courts, snow tubing and a children’s winter play park which is also open in summer. Throughout the summer season, sports tournaments, shows and entertainment are organised.

There are also two well-equipped recreational fishing lakes in the immediate area.

10 km away, at the resort of Piane di Mocogno, you can go hiking and mountain biking, orienteering and Nordic walking – a new discipline that brings together sport and well-being. The resort lends itself to this sport, due to the variety of paths and trails of different lengths and steepness, suitable for all ages, from children to the elderly. During the winter, lovers of alpine skiing, cross-country skiing and snowboarding are all welcomed.

Not to be missed

Standing in a magical spot, at an intersection of easy trails deep in the heart of the forest straddling the borders of Pavullo, Lama Mocogno and Polinago, is one of the most remarkable geological phenomena in the Apennines – the Devil’s Bridge.

It is a natural monolith which joins the two sides of a ditch, 33 metres long and 3 metres wide. The name suggests that in ancient times the place was the site of pagan rites.

There are also beautiful and well-preserved churches and oratories in all the outlying hamlets of the town.

What to eat

The local mountain cuisine brings together the tastes and flavours of our area, from tortellini to polenta, crescentine (traditional flatbreads) to borlenghi (traditional pancakes) and gnocco fritto (fried dough), not forgetting the many foraged foods, from mushrooms to raspberries and blackberries, and much more. The Parmigiano Reggiano cheese produced in the dairies of the area is a delicacy.

Keeping in shape

“La Sorgente Fabbriche del Benessere”, a spa and wellness centre situated in the unspoilt natural setting of Barigazzo (10 km), specialises in relaxation therapies including hay baths, blueberry therapy, reflexology, and also has a fitness area and therapeutic aromatherapy grotto. The Beauty Farm, with its unique, welcoming atmosphere, also offers a range of treatments using natural forest products prepared in the adjacent “La Sorgente” workshop.

In the centre of Lama Mocogno is Villa Clorè Hotel & SPA, with its pleasantly-heated indoor swimming pool, outdoor and indoor solarium, whirlpool, Finnish sauna, Turkish bath, sensorial showers and relaxation room, with herbal teas always available.

Events

On the first weekend in October, the entire town celebrates “the King of Cheeses” produced by local dairies. The “Parmigiano Reggiano da gustare” festival brings together good food, traditional customs, games and activities all revolving around the world’s best-known cheese.

Summer festivals include the ancient “Festa della Trebbiatura” (Threshing Festival), a poignant moment in the rural calendar, held on the first weekend of August at the “ruzzolone” track (a dedicated track for the traditional sport of cheese-rolling). Other festivals include The Beer Festival, held during the second week in August in the outlying hamlet of Sassostorno, and the Raspberry Festival which takes place at the “La Sorgente” workshop in Barigazzo during the August bank holiday week. On the third weekend in July, the ‘Torre in Festa’ event at the Montecuccoli Tower in Montecenere (4 km) has become a firm tradition.

Surrounding area

Traces of the old Via Vandelli, a commercial and military road belonging to the Duchy of Modena, can be recognised around Lama Mocogno. In fact, two original sections of the old road still exist in the area, and can be travelled on foot or by mountain bike. Although the original road has largely disappeared, replaced by a newer road system, the charm of the old carriageway is still evident, especially in those stretches where the original dry-stone walls and paving can still be seen, crossing high-altitude meadows, and dense beech and silver fir forests.