Golf Terre di Canossa
Castellarano
Golf Terre di Canossa is an attractive 18-hole parkland course set among the gently rolling countryside of Emilia-Romagna, just outside Reggio Emilia. Formerly known as Matilde di Canossa Golf Club, it sits within the historic Terre Matildiche, an area associated with medieval castles, traditional villages and some of Italy’s best-known food and wine.
Opened in 1987 and designed by Italian golf architect Marco Croze, the course plays to a par of 72 and measures 6,231 metres. Its layout follows the natural movement of the land, with mature trees, subtle elevation changes and well-positioned hazards creating a varied challenge rather than relying on extreme length.
The Quaresimo stream is one of the course’s defining features, winding through the landscape and influencing play on six holes. Golfers must therefore think carefully about positioning from the tee and the safest angles into the greens. Wider fairways provide some forgiveness, but water, bunkers and sloping ground can quickly punish an inaccurate shot. The result is a course that remains enjoyable for improving golfers while offering enough strategic decisions to interest experienced players.
Practice facilities include a driving range with covered bays, alongside putting, pitching and chipping greens. Golf tuition, buggy and trolley hire and a pro shop are also available. The clubhouse provides changing facilities, a bar and restaurant, giving golfers somewhere to relax and enjoy the region’s celebrated hospitality after their round.
The course is only a few minutes from Reggio Emilia and close to the A1 motorway and the city’s high-speed railway station, making it a convenient addition to a wider golf holiday through Emilia-Romagna.
Bologna Airport
62km
England’s best golf tour operator 2026 winner
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Time Zone:
GMT+1
Currency:
CHF (Swiss Franc)
Temperature:
2°C - 33°C
Cost of a Beer:
£8.50
Cost of a 3-Course Meal:
£70
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About The Area
Castellarano is a peaceful base for a golf holiday in Emilia-Romagna, combining a challenging countryside course with medieval character and easy access to Modena and Reggio Emilia. Set beside the River Secchia and surrounded by rolling hills, it is ideal for golfers who want a quieter Italian experience centred on scenery, regional food and relaxed evenings. Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport is around 60 kilometres away by road, with the drive taking approximately one hour. Hiring a car is recommended.
The main golfing attraction is San Valentino Golf Club, located in a green valley outside Castellarano. Its 18-hole, par-72 championship course measures 6,203 metres and follows naturally hilly terrain through woodland and open pasture. Frequent elevation changes, fast greens, defensive bunkering and four lakes create a varied test where good positioning is often more valuable than distance. The club has previously hosted Italian and national federation championships.
A five-hole executive course, driving range and dedicated putting and short-game areas provide additional practice opportunities. The wider estate includes accommodation, a restaurant, swimming pool and other leisure facilities, making it possible to organise a convenient stay-and-play break without travelling after every round.
Away from golf, Castellarano retains much of its original medieval layout. Visitors can explore the Rocchetta fortress, Clock Tower, historic churches and stepped streets before following walking routes through the surrounding hills and villages.
Modena and Reggio Emilia are both suitable for day trips. The wider region is famous for Parmigiano Reggiano, traditional balsamic vinegar, Lambrusco and dishes including pumpkin tortelli and gnocco fritto. Maranello’s Ferrari Museum can also add a taste of Emilia-Romagna’s motoring heritage to the itinerary.
We particularly recommend Castellarano during spring and early autumn, when the countryside is attractive and temperatures are generally better suited to golf and sightseeing.
