The Olive Trail is a walking itinerary that stretches for about 7 km along the roads of Brisighella’s DOP area. It’s a journey to discover the landscape and local agri-food heritage, passing through rows of centuries-old olive trees, green hills, gypsum outcrops, and historic sites.
This hiking trail, called the "Olive Trail in Brisighella," winds through ancient olive groves on the hills of the medieval village. The route is approximately 7 km long, with an elevation gain of 110 meters and takes about 3 hours to complete. Along the way, marked with signs, visitors can explore the Open-Air Olive Museum of Brisighella, which showcases the entire production cycle, from the tree to the final product.
The trail starts from the village of Brisighella, passing through the old town and the picturesque Via degli Asini toward the Monticino Geological Museum. It then continues into the Parco Regionale della Vena del Gesso Romagnola, where the ridge shields from cold winds and creates a microclimate ideal for olive cultivation. In this part of the trail, you can also see small Moretto artichoke plantations, a local specialty, and historic vineyards.
Arriving at the Pieve di Rontana, along dirt roads, the path begins to descend toward Via Valloni in an amphitheater of south-facing hills and centuries-old olive trees, including the Patriarch, a 500-year-old specimen. Along the way, you will encounter the characteristic casotti, small service buildings used by the farmers.
Along the route are about ninety thousand olive trees, 80% of which belong to the Nostrana di Brisighella variety, from which the prestigious extra virgin olive oil is produced, the first in Italy to obtain DOP certification in 1996. The trail continues toward the Pieve di San Giovanni in Ottavo, also known as Pieve del Thò, the oldest church in the valley, where the remains of a Roman oil mill from the 2nd century are preserved. From the church, a cycling and walking path leads back toward the village and train station, passing several local oil mills.
In November, during the harvest season, it is easy to witness the brucatura, the traditional manual collection of olives, an agricultural ritual preserved through time.
The Olive Trail hosts excursions, activities, and annual initiatives dedicated to high-quality gastronomy, such as "A Walk Among the Olive Trees" and "Snack in the Olive Grove." Excursions and events are often paired with guided tastings of Brisighella DOP Extra Virgin Olive Oil and other local products.
The itinerary can also be walked in the opposite direction, and the route is easily recognizable thanks to the signs along the way.
