St. John's Night at the Campotrera Nature Reserve

A Timeless Night in the Reggiano Apennines

The St. John's Night at the Campotrera Nature Reserve is a guided night hike that takes place in the heart of the Rupe di Campotrera Nature Reserve, a protected area established in 1999 in the Municipality of Canossa, in the Province of Reggio Emilia (Emilia-Romagna). The event takes place around the night of June 23rd, St. John's Eve, considered for centuries one of the most magical and symbolic nights of the entire peasant calendar.

The Charm of Ophiolites

The Campotrera Rock holds one of the most spectacular ophiolite outcrops in the Apennines: rocks formed about 170 million years ago from the eruption of magma on the floor of the ancient Ligure-Piedmontese Ocean. The basalts of Rossena, with their characteristic reddish color due to iron oxidation, give their name to the localities of Rossena and Rossenella. It is a rare and selective environment, where succulents, wild orchids, and exclusive botanical species grow, and where birds of prey such as the kestrel and peregrine falcon fly.

Walking in the Dark Under the Matildic Castles

The hike follows an easy and evocative path, with Rossena Castle and Rossenella Tower watching from above. These fortresses are part of the defensive system of the lands of Matilde di Canossa, and walking at their feet on St. John's night creates an atmosphere suspended between history and legend. The environmental guide accompanies participants, recounting the solstice rituals, St. John's herbs, popular beliefs, and the secrets of the nocturnal fauna that inhabits the reserve.

Who the Hike is For

• Hikers and families looking for a different kind of nature experience
• Geology, botany, and astronomy enthusiasts
• Those who want to experience the tradition of St. John's night in an authentic setting

This is a limited-capacity event with mandatory booking, led by a licensed hiking environmental guide. An intimate and mindful way to discover one of the most surprising corners of the Canossa territory, far from large events and immersed in the silence of the night.