Compiano: Village, Castle and Trails along the Taro

Compiano combines its setting on the Taro with a historic village, the Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista and the Castello di Compiano. The town is in Emilia-Romagna, between Liguria and Tuscany, on a rocky spur on the left bank of the Taro River. This gives you several options for your stay: exploring the lanes and architectural history, activities in the Compiano area, or planning your visit around one of the festivals.

Landscape and trails

Compiano offers hiking, mountain biking and e-bike tours on numerous trails. They pass through forests, along streams and over ridgelines. Horse riding is also possible in the Compiano area. The options vary according to the mode of travel and the type of landscape: you can include a hike, a mountain bike or e-bike tour, or a horseback ride in your plans. This gives you more than one way to enjoy outdoor activities, and the trails do not all have the same character.

Village, church and castle

The historic village is characterized by steep, cobbled lanes lined with noble palaces and tower houses. The historic buildings span different periods: the Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista probably dates from the Lombard period. The church houses the 15th-century wooden sculpture Santo Crocifisso Miracoloso.

The Castello di Compiano also reflects several construction phases. It probably developed around an old Carolingian defensive tower. Today, it appears as a 15th-century building, with later additions from the 16th and 17th centuries. The likely early connection to the defensive tower and the later construction phases give the castle's history its own timeline.

Museums and collections

The collection at the Museo Marchesa Gambarotta includes 17th- and 18th-century furniture, paintings, tapestries and household objects. Another point of reference is the Casa-Museo Raimondi Gambarotta, which is located on the first and second floors of the Castello di Compiano. This provides information both about the collection and the Casa-Museo's location in the building.

Festivals and their locations

The Festival degli Artisti di Strada takes place every year on the first weekend of August in the village streets. The Fiera Millenaria di San Terenziano is held elsewhere, in Isola di Compiano. During the three days of the festival, traditional menus featuring typical local products and traditional recipes are offered. Dates and programs for both events may change. Check the latest information if you are planning your stay around a festival.

Getting there and choosing a hotel

The most convenient train station for Compiano is Borgo Val di Taro, on the Parma–La Spezia railway line. If you plan to travel by train, check the latest connections before your trip. When looking for a hotel in Compiano, it helps to decide on the purpose of your trip first: the village and its architectural history, activities in the area, or a festival each offer a different focus. Then choose a specific property based on the details of its listing.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Borghetto, San Polo, Vicomero, Terenzo, Case Vecchie, Banca, Felegara, Noceto.

For the broader travel overview: Parma.