In Japan they call it 'hanami' and it is the period in which the cherry trees bloom. The cities and countryside are dyed pink. It means spring has arrived.
Without going to the Land of the Rising Sun, even In Italy you can admire cherry blossom trees.. There is a street known by the name of Cherry Street and which runs from Vignola to Marano sul Panaro, in the Valley of Panaro, in the province of Modena.
Vignola It is known throughout Europe for its cherries. The presence of the cherry tree dates back to the imperial Roman era and various sources attest to the certain presence of this crop from the mid-19th century onwards.
Starting in May (but if the weather permits even earlier), it is possible to admire the flowering of the different varieties of cherries and corn and the entire area comes alive with numerous festivals and events, starting in mid-March.
Those who are passionate about this phenomenon, a symbol of the awakening of nature, can tour a pink itinerary through the Cherry Valley, which in spring offers a wonderful spectacle of cherry blossoms and, between May and June, the opportunity to taste their fruits.
The itinerary can also be done in bike following the route of the Panaro Nature Trail (which coincides with the Eurovelo 7 bike path), along the riverbed, in the shade of poplars and willows, a route that crosses cherry plantations, but also apple, pear and plum trees.
The route starts from the historic center of Vignola and then ascends towards Roll, which dominates the course of the Panaro River. The choice to build a fortified structure dates back to the 8th century and can be attributed to Sant'Anselmo's decision to build a garrison to defend the territories of the Abbey of Nonantola.
It is worth stopping and visiting the interior of the fortress, with its splendid rooms: the Hall of Lions and Leopards, the Hall of Pigeons, the Hall of Shields. In the basement there are also the Grassoni and Contrari Rooms.
The itinerary arrives Marano sul panaro, where you can visit the Civic Museum of Ecology and Natural History (open on Sunday afternoons) and the Marano Castle.
The return follows the Via dei Ciliegi, a route marked with specific signs and considered one of the most pleasant examples of "greenways" in the entire province of Modena and Emilia Romagna.
