Votigno di Canossa, a small village located in the heart of the hills of Reggio Emilia, offers a fascinating blend of medieval history and distant spirituality. With its picturesque landscapes and deep ties to ancient traditions, the village is also home to a Tibetan center, creating a unique atmosphere that brings together both Western and Eastern cultures.

It was a real surprise! The village of Votigno di Canossa had been on my travel list for a while, with a curious note: “a mix of medieval village and Tibetan center”… an unusual description for a village near Reggio Emilia. Yet, this note turned out to be surprisingly accurate!

I set off to explore this village on a beautiful May morning. After a long drive and an early wake-up call, I found myself in front of a place that was absolutely worth the journey. If you’re near Reggio Emilia, make sure to add Votigno di Canossa to your itinerary: it’s truly a unique spot!

The medieval village of Votigno di Canossa, nestled among the rolling hills of Reggio Emilia where peace and silence reign, is small but truly a marvel to explore on foot. In this tiny district of the municipality of Canossa, it feels as though time has stopped in the Middle Ages.

Just outside the village, there are two large parking areas. The first, located higher up, offers a stunning view of the surrounding hills, while the second is marked by a Tibetan-style structure that stands out against the landscape. Not far from here, you’ll walk through an iron gate to enter this magical village! Thanks to its beauty, Votigno di Canossa is one of the sites included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List

The History of Votigno di Canossa

The origins of the village date back to the 11th century, during the period when Countess Matilda of Canossa rose to power. The noblewoman came to dominate all the Italian territories north of the Papal States, becoming famous for her remarkable determination in an era when women were considered of inferior rank.

The small fortified village was built to provide shelter for the countess’s soldiers. The most prominent structure still standing is the lookout tower, which once served as a watchtower in case of attack.

After the reign of Matilda of Canossa, these streets were populated by craftsmen, farmers, and merchants. Over time, the town was abandoned, but it regained its former splendor in the 1970s thanks to a group of volunteers who successfully restored it to its original beauty, making it known worldwide.

The Tibetan center, on the other hand, was built in 1990 by a Reggio Emilia doctor, Stefano Dallari. In 1999, it was visited by the Dalai Lama during its inauguration.

Votigno di Canossa medieval village

Votigno di Canossa is a harmonious cluster of brick houses, in various shades of brown and gray, blending perfectly with the natural landscape in which they are set. Another unique feature of this place is the abundance of Tibetan and Buddhist statues scattered throughout the village: they are the silent guardians of the area. It’s certainly an unusual sight!

As you continue walking, you’ll come across a small square with a checkerboard pattern on the ground, featuring the classic black and white squares. On special occasions, huge games of checkers are held here. The entire village, with its cobbled streets, statues, and motivational plaques, offers one beautiful spot after another, all perfect for photos and moments of peaceful exploration.

The village is also famous for its many historical reenactments that take place throughout the year, allowing both residents and visitors to experience the customs and lifestyles of the medieval period.

The Tibetan Center: The House of Tibet

The attraction that has made Votigno di Canossa famous is the House of Tibet, the only one of its kind in Italy and the first in Europe, founded by Stefano Dallari and inaugurated by the Dalai Lama himself. It is undoubtedly the perfect place to rediscover inner peace, something hard to achieve in the hustle and bustle of our daily lives.

On Sundays in the afternoon, visitors can also explore the museum for just 3€. A Buddhist monk will guide you through the exhibits, explaining Tibetan culture and showcasing rare and authentic items related to Tibetan culture, religion, and daily life.

Getting Married in Votigno di Canossa

It’s also possible to celebrate your wedding in Votigno di Canossa. The process is thoroughly explained on their website, complete with many photos and additional information about the village!

Visit the official website

The Matildic Lands

We’re in the heart of the Matildic Lands, the territories once ruled by Matilda of Canossa, between Modena and Reggio Emilia, with Canossa (just 4 km from Votigno) at its center. These incredibly beautiful lands are dotted with many small fortresses, some well-preserved and open to visitors, while others are charming ruins that will definitely complete your trip in the area.

The Canossa Castle, with its captivating ruins, is just a few kilometers away and is well worth a visit, as is the Rossena Castle and Sarzano Castle, which are typically open to tourists.

The Carpineti Castle, open on weekends (or by appointment during the week), is located at an important crossroads of hiking trails, including the via Matildica del Volto Santo. This is one of Emilia Romagna’s 14 spiritual trails, crossing three regions (from Mantua to Lucca) and offering unique landscapes.

Another castle worth mentioning is Bianello Castle, perched on a natural balcony on the Reggio Emilia Apennines. This castle is open for tours, allowing visitors to explore its rooms, halls, and kitchens, including the tower where the vinegar cellar is currently located, accessible via a spiral staircase hidden within the thick walls.

In this area, you can also admire the Pietra di Bismantova, a distinctive mountain in the Reggio Emilia Apennines, standing 1,041 meters tall, located near Castelnovo ne’ Monti.

What to Eat Near Votigno

Finally, I recommend stopping at one of the trattorias located on the road just beyond the village. Here, you can sample the typical dishes of this land at very reasonable prices. We stopped at “Da Gianni,” where we enjoyed tortelli made with various colorful and delicious ingredients; salami sliced at the table; Parmigiano Reggiano with Modena Balsamic Vinegar IGP, and, of course, the irresistible fried dumplings!

I hope Votigno di Canossa has captivated you. It truly is a remarkable place that you must see for yourself! We couldn’t stop taking photos… I think it’s pretty clear how much i love it! 😄

In the nearby area, you can also enjoy a beautiful trail called “The Castles of Women,” which will lead you to discover the region’s amazing castles, all tied to stories of extraordinary women from the past.

To read more articles about villages in Romagna, be sure to check out my dedicated “Emilia Romagna” page by clicking here.

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