The Emilia Romagna region is also called the "belly of Italy. No mass production, but craftsmanship and patience are the basis of culinary excellence whose reputation reaches far beyond the Italian borders. In Modena, Aceto Balsamico di Modena is skillfully prepared from the must of the Trebbiano grape. In Parma ripens the Prosciutto di Parma, the king of Italian hams made and in the cheese dairies around the city thousands of golden yellow balls of Parmigiano Reggiano are neatly stacked on meters-high shelves. In this "food valley" lies the small-scale and stylish Relais Roncolo 1888, housed in the 17th century villa Manodori. The estate is home to the Acetaia di Canossa, one of the oldest balsamic productions in Italy.
The hotel is open from late March to early November.
17 rooms.
You can check in from 2pm. Check-out is by 12 noon. Earlier check-in or late check-out is possible on request and subject to availability.
From 850 euros.
The villa was once the private residence of numerous noble families, including Marquis Manodori, after whom it is named. Its aristocratic charm and hand-painted ceilings were preserved and combined with contemporary furniture and natural colours.
Rooms in the villa combine design elements with original frescoes. Rooms in the two annexes have original wooden ceilings and exude discreet luxury. The bathrooms have a bath or shower.
Those who love space can choose the junior suite with bath and shower or the senior suite with beautiful frescoes and a separate sitting area. There is a family suite with two separate bedrooms and two bathrooms.
You can relax by the beautiful outdoor swimming pool with loungers and a bar serving snacks and drinks.
The hotel organises wine and balsamic tasting sessions. On request, you can take cooking classes or join a yoga session. Near the hotel there is tennis, horse riding and golf. For those who wish, Caractère organises guided visits to a Parmesan and Parma ham production with accompanying tasting near Parma. Car and motorbike enthusiasts can visit the Ferrari museums of Modena and Maranello, or the Lamborghini or Ducati museums near Bologna.
Children of all ages are welcome but there are no specific facilities.
Opt for a table in the restaurant or on the terrace with the best views of the surroundings.
In the morning you will enjoy a quality breakfast. At noon, snacks are available by the pool or you can have lunch in the Limonaia restaurant, housed in a historic conservatory, with lots of light and a beautiful view of the hills. In the evening you will enjoy refined and beautifully presented dishes based on seasonal and daily fresh local products. The vegetables come from the hotel's organic vegetable garden. In good weather, enjoy your meal on the beautiful terrace.
Relais Roncolo 1888 enjoys a peaceful location in Tenuta Venturini Baldini, a 130-hectare estate set in the hills south-west of Reggio Emilia, 16 km away. Parma, famous for its Parmigiano Reggiano and Parma ham, is 30 km away. Modena, birthplace of Luciano Pavarotti and Enzo Ferrari, and famous for its balsamic vinegar, is 50 km away. Bologna, the culinary capital of Italy, with its two medieval towers, its beautiful Piazza Maggiore and the oldest university in the world, is 85 km away. The Ferrari Museum in Maranello is 35 km away, the Enzo Ferrari Museum 50 km. The Ducati Museum is 80 km away.
The nearest airport is that of Bologna, 82 kilometres away.
Transfer from and to the airport possible on request for 150 euros per journey.
Free parking is available. Two charging stations for electric cars are available where you pay 30 euros per charge.
In this small and tastefully decorated hotel you will enjoy not only the tranquility and beautiful surroundings, but also the delicious refined cuisine and professional service. Strategically located between Parma and Modena.
