Pagazzano: Marble, Limestone and the Via Longobarda

Pagazzano lies on the first slopes of the Apennines and on the left bank of the Rio Grontone, a right-bank tributary of the Taro. Alongside this landscape setting, the history of local rocks shapes the character of the place: limestone is exposed, and marble was used during certain historical periods. For a stay, this creates a focus on landscape, geology and past uses.

Limestone and Marble in Pagazzano

Among chaotic clays, an outcrop of micritic limestone is exposed in Pagazzano. Limestone was quarried there from the 19th century until the activity was discontinued. The place thus combines a specific geological feature with a history of use that has come to an end. Both aspects are relevant: the outcrop describes the rock exposed at this site; the quarrying history shows how it was used in the past.

Pagazzano’s marble deposits include three varieties: Grigio Ducale, Grigio Ducale rosato and Rosso Napoleone. The marbles were frequently used in the post-Napoleonic period and during the era of Maria Luigia, particularly Grigio Ducale and Rosso Napoleone. Grigio Ducale rosato is also one of the three varieties; however, the historical account highlights the other two in particular. This distinguishes the range of named marble varieties from the particular historical significance of certain varieties.

The Canonica and the Via Longobarda

The Canonica di Pagazzano is located along the Via Longobarda. The route is divided into six stages and marked on site with vertical signage and trail marker 741. The stages describe how the route is structured; signs and trail markers identify it on the ground. The Canonica’s location provides a different kind of orientation, establishing the spatial connection between the named building and the Via Longobarda.

Excursion to the Marmi di Pagazzano

A 2018 description recounts an excursion to the Marmi di Pagazzano. Its aim was to share the history of quarrying in the province of Parma and, at the same time, highlight the Rio Grontone valley. The excursion thus brought together two perspectives: the history of stone extraction and the valley’s landscape setting. To reach the area, the S.C. Pagazzano-Pietramogolana was followed to the village of Casa Palanca; the distance covered was about 8 km.

The old quarry is about 500 m from the road; from there, there is a view of the Val Grontone. The two distances refer to different points: the approximately 8 km is the route travelled to Casa Palanca, while the approximately 500 m is the distance from the road to the old quarry. They are therefore not two measurements of the same stretch. The route information comes from the 2018 description; check current road and access conditions before travelling today.

Discover more destinations: Valditacca, Marore, Fontevivo, Neviano Degli Arduini, Case Vecchie, Medesano, Ozzano Taro, Fontanelle

For the broader travel overview: Parma.