THE VALLEYS OF TARO AND CENO

Valleys of Taro and Ceno, are located in the western part of the Appennino in the province of Parma: the Val Taro comprehends most of the mountains of Parma, while the Val Ceno follows the path of the river upstream from monte Penna until Fornovo, where the river Taro flows.
The valleys of Taro and Ceno surrounded by traditions and legends related to the many castles and villages, tell us many stories of migrants across Europe in search of fortune and who have often found it thanks to these places. Each year in summer huge festivals are held throughout this mountains to help children to discover and remember the story of these migrants.

Borgotaro center that boasts considerable hotel equipment, sporting, social and health is considered capital of Val Taro. During the last war has been the scene of many partisan actions, which led to the liberation of the area 15 days before the offensive ally. The city retains a remarkable heritage buildings of historic, architectural interest and baroque palaces.
In the chiesa di Porcigatone there is a splendid Crucifixion with Saints Peter and Paul of Lanfranco (about 1610). Borgotaro is even considered the capital of mushroom, as you grow excellent porcini mushroom. Every sunday during the "Gourmet September”, a special dish is prepared cooked with special local products. Besides this, there are many initiatives related to the preservation and restoration of traditional culture, such as autumn events in Val Ceno with menus that highlight the ancient breed of black parmesan pig, whose origin is documented since'400.

Berceto has always been an important communications junction in the via Romea because it is located on the road, along which the pilgrims coming from the North and from Rome. Its cathedral, built in XII century, is a great example of a Ligurian-Tuscan style, dating back to'400-'500. Stored treasures of inestimable value, such as the tomb of St. Boccardo of 1355, a bell decorated with reliefs of 1497 are preserved inside. Not far away from Berceto the village of Corchia lies as a rare example of medieval remained almost unchanged with narrow cobbled streets and stone houses with roofs and slabs of sandstone while in the pass of Cisa stands the Sanctuary of the Madonna, a destination for pilgrims from around the world.

Bedonia instead has passed through many historical vicissitudes, and it is dominated by Santuario della Madonna di San Marco (1939) with the adjoining seminary which guests an ancient library. The planetarium, la Quadreria Parmigiani which retains a seventy important paintings, the Museum of Natural History, the work of Romeo Musa, and the Archaeological Museum.

The country of Varano Melegari rises on the left side of the river Ceno. Prehistoric settlement of the Ligurian-Valeiates in Roman times belonged to the municipality Velleia in Lombard times, became the administrative border between Parma and Piacenza. It boasts a beautiful castle built on an existing Roman "castrum" and protagonist of many historical events. On the right bank of the Ceno there’s a track approved for racing in Formula 3 and International F.2000.
Not that far away stands one of the most ancient Roman monuments: the octagonal Baptistery of Serravalle, from the eighth century.

The country of Varsi lies in Val Ceno as well , developed around the castle. The church of San Pietro guests a beautiful Madonna and Child with Saints by Pietro Melchiorre Ferrari (1760 approx). You can make excursions of both natural and cultural style, in search of the ancient ruins of a castle of the second century Ligurian (City of Umbria - Tosca) or unexpected falls following the paths of the Lombards warriors.

Bardi in Val Ceno is dominated by the castle from 898 that stands on a rock that overlooks the river Ceno. In the parish church of St. Mary of Sorrows, rebuilt in 1943, you’ll find the all-important shovel of Parmigianino with the Marriage of Saint Catherine, the SS. John the Evangelist and John the Baptist (1521-22) and a beautiful wooden crucifix end of'400.

Photos taken from valtaro.it

Museum Guatelli is considered an important witness of the culture of these places. It is also called "Museum of time", and it collects things commonly used to explain the history: the material exposed evokes ideas through visual gestures of everyday life.

Photos taken from museoguatelli.it