Varana and Campodolio: History, Faith, and Nature This Apennine destination holds two distinct souls just a few hundred yards apart: Varana Sassi and Campodolio. A past of borders and battles The roots of this place are ancient and tied to the land: Varana takes its name from the Roman landowner Varus, while Campodolio derives from "loglio" (ryegrass), once cultivated as fodder. In 1573, this border territory was the setting for a famous battle between the men of the Podesteria di Monfestino and those of Varana, then ruled by the Signori Pio di Sassuolo. Two churches between history and legend The village is home to two significant sacred buildings: The Church of Varana Sassi (14th century): Built in Romanesque style in the ancient hamlet, it houses three magnificent altars in scagliola (a traditional plaster technique). The Church of Campodolio: Linked to the legend of a Marian apparition to a young shepherdess in the 1700s. Inside, it preserves a moving collection of about sixty historic ex-voto tablets. Rock and climbing Varana Sassi is famous for its rare and spectacular rock formations of submarine volcanic origin, characterized by a unique dark green hue. The largest "Sasso" (rock), which once hosted a fortification with a tower, has found a new life today as a popular natural gym for climbing enthusiasts.
