Fontevivo: Churches, Abbey and History

Fontevivo can be explored through several specific themes: churches and a Cistercian abbey, the Ponte sul Taro, and museums dedicated to Parmigiano Reggiano and accordions. If you are looking for hotels in Fontevivo, you can first decide whether architectural history, historic infrastructure or a museum visit will shape your stay. The local details below offer starting points for visits and travel.

Churches and the abbey: architectural styles and history

The Church of San Bernardo in Fontevivo has a basilica-style floor plan with three naves. There are two chapels on each side of the wide transept, and an almost square choir adjoins it to the east. This layout makes several architectural areas distinct: the three naves, the crosswise space, the chapels and the choir. Those interested in sacred architecture can observe the transition between the longitudinal and transverse spaces.

The Chiesa dei Cappuccini in Fontevivo is a 17th-century church. The Cistercian Abbey of Santa Maria di Vivofonte dates from a different historical period: it was founded on 5 May 1142 and dedicated to Saint Bernard in the 15th century. The foundation and dedication mark different stages in the abbey’s history.

The Romanesque church of Castelguelfo in Fontevivo is a medieval monument dating from 1230. The abbey’s foundation in 1142 and the monument of 1230 provide specific dates for placing the sites in context; alongside these are the abbey’s dedication in the 15th century and the 17th-century Church of the Cappuccini. The buildings thus offer different points of interest, from spatial layout to historical dating.

The Ponte sul Taro and its statues

Four statues of river gods on the Ponte sul Taro represent Parma, Taro, Enza and Stirone. Giuseppe Carra, who came from Parma, made them from limestone; they were completed in 1828. The bridge was built at the request of Maria Luigia d’Austria by engineer Antonio Cocconcelli. The river associations, material, sculptor and year of completion offer different historical and artistic points of reference for the structure.

Museums and practical information

The Museo del Parmigiano Reggiano is open from 1 March to 8 December on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, from 10:00 to 18:00. Since opening hours may change, check the times before your visit.

The Museo della fisarmonica is at Via Roma 1/A, 43010 Fontevivo PR, Italy. Fontevivo’s tourist information office is at Via Roma 10, 43010 Fontevivo PR, Italy. Check its address before you travel.

Getting to Fontevivo and the Ponte sul Taro

From Parma, you can reach Fontevivo by taking the Tangenziale Nord westbound towards Piacenza. Take the Fontanellato-Fontevivo exit, then follow the signs to Fontevivo. Strada Farnese is considered the main access road to Fontevivo.

From Parma, you can reach the Ponte sul Taro via Via Emilia. This route information applies to the bridge, while the route via the Tangenziale Nord leads to Fontevivo. Keep your specific destination in mind when planning your drive and check road conditions before setting off.

Discover more destinations: Neviano Degli Arduini, San Secondo Parmense, Medesano, San Prospero, Valditacca, Banca, Varano Marchesi, Lesignano de' Bagni.

For the broader travel overview: Parma.