Scandiano gave Italy two minds — one in rhyme, one at the microscope: Matteo Maria Boiardo, who at the court of the fortress (today the Rocca dei Boiardo) wrote "Orlando in Love", and Lazzaro Spallanzani, born here in 1729, the pioneer of experimental biology whom science still venerates. The fortress, with its courtyards and towers, is the town's monumental heart.
On the first Reggio hills grows spergola, a native white grape back in fashion among sommeliers. Between historic fairs and trattorias of gnocco fritto and tigelle, Scandiano is provincial Emilia at its best.
Near Scandiano
The closest destinations covered by our editors, with straight-line distance.
