Parma Apennines

<< Emilia-Romagna

South of Parma is a hilly and mountainous area featuring various small towns with historic landmarks, including several castles. This region is also known for its rich gastronomical tradition and for the popular spa resort of Salsomaggiore Terme.

Salsomaggiore Terme

Salsomaggiore Terme is a town located among the hills south of Fidenza, in the Province of Parma. The town only developed during the 19th century thanks to its thermal waters, and it soon became a popular spa resort. The town is a major attraction due to its thermal baths and many Liberty style buildings from the early 20th century.

✪ Terme Berzieri

Terme Berzieri is a large building housing thermal baths in Salsomaggiore Terme. The palace was inaugurated in 1920s and it features rich and elaborate Liberty style decorations both outside and inside, which make it one of the most remarkable and unique buildings of its kind in Italy. The square in front of the palace hosts the Pozzo Scotti, an artesian well covered by elaborate decorations.

Collecchio

Collecchio is a town located southwest of Parma, at the foot of the hills. Its history has mostly been linked with Parma, and today it is best known as a major center for food production.

Corte di Giarola

Corte di Giarola is a medieval rural court with a church, located a bit outside Collecchio near the river Taro. Originally erected in the Early Middle Ages, it has been reworked multiple times. Now it hosts two ethnographic museums on the history of food and food production: the Museum of Tomato (Museo del Pomodoro) and the Museum of Pasta (Museo della Pasta).

Felino

Felino is a small town located at the foot of the hills south of Parma. The town developed around a medieval castle and it is best known for its traditional salame.

Felino Castle

The Castle of Felino is a medieval fortress located south of the town, and once was among the most important fortifications in the area. The castle has been restored and some of its hall now host a museum dedicated to the Salame Felino, which is traditionally produced in the town.

Langhirano

Langhirano is a town located among the hills south of Parma. A city of medieval origins, its territory hosted various fortresses, but today it is best known for the production of the Prosciutto di Parma.

✪ Torrechiara Castle

The Torrechiara Castle is a historic fortress located in Torrechiara, a small village north of Langhirano. The castle was erected in the 15th century over some previous fortifications and it was also used as a noble residence. Today it is still very well preserved and it features various richly frescoed halls. Thanks to its position on top of a hill, it also offers a great view of the surrounding area.

Museo del Prosciutto e dei Salumi di Parma

The Museo del Prosciutto e dei Salumi di Parma is an ethnographic museum located in Langhirano. The exhibition displays the history of the Prosciutto di Parma and the production of various gastronomic products in the area of Parma.

Traversetolo

Traversetolo is a town located at the foot of the hills south of Parma. A village of medieval origins, it is now an agricultural center.

Magnani-Rocca Foundation

The Magnani-Rocca Foundation (Fondazione Magnani-Rocca) is an art gallery housed in a historic villa near the hamlet of Mamiano, in the municipality of Traversetolo. The museum hosts a collection of artworks spanning from the Late Middle Ages to the 20th century, by artists such as Titian, Tiepolo, Goya, Cézanne, Renoir, and many more.

Berceto

Berceto is a village in the Apennines of the Province of Parma. The area was settled in ancient times and it was contested for centuries between local powers. The town is known for its proximity to the Cisa Pass, which connects Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany.

Duomo of Berceto

Also known as: Duomo of San Moderanno

The Duomo of Berceto is a church that was originally founded in the 8th century, while the current building dates back to the 12th century. The church is a great example of Romanesque architecture, featuring some interesting sculptures. A small museum adjacent to the Duomo hosts a few historic artworks and objects.

Bardi

Bardi is a small town located among the Apennines in the Province of Parma. The settlement rose to prominence as an important fortified position, and was contested between local powers for centuries, but it also enjoyed a period as an independent lordship, before joining the Duchy of Parma and Piacenza. Bardi is now renowned for its medieval old town.

Bardi Castle

The castle that dominates over the town of Bardi was erected starting in the 9th century, and later expanded. The fortress saw many battles, and eventually became the residence of the local lords. After a period of decline, it was used as a prison, before being restored in the 20th century. Now the castle serves as a museum and, thanks to its position, also offers a great view of the surrounding mountains.

Church of Santa Maria Addolorata

The Church of Santa Maria Addolorata is a church erected in Byzantine Revival style during the 1930s, replacing a previous place of worship. It features a few decorations, but it is known mostly for housing the Bardi Altarpiece (Pala di Bardi), a masterful painting executed by Parmigianino in 1521.