Discover Varano De' Melegari

When planning a trip to Varano De' Melegari, you can choose from several themes: medieval military architecture, Romanesque buildings in the surrounding area, activities in the hills around the Ceno, and motorsport. If you are looking for a hotel, first consider which of these focal points interests you most. Architectural history, outdoor activities and the Autodromo each offer a different emphasis.

Castello Pallavicino and historic architectural styles

Castello Pallavicino is an outstanding example of medieval military architecture. It stands on a sandstone rock in a strategic position overlooking the Ceno Valley. The rocky setting and its role in controlling the valley directly connect the military architecture with the landscape. The castle is also known as Rocca Pallavicino. It was first mentioned in 1087 in the Cronaca Pallavicina. This year marks its first mention, not necessarily the date it was built; when considering its chronology, it is therefore useful to distinguish between its written mention and its construction.

The Chiesa del castello is a 13th-century chapel; its original structure is now incorporated into the castle’s guardhouse. The Antica prigione is a hexagonal tower that served as a prison and stands beside the road on the southeast side of the Rocca. The chapel, its integration into the guardhouse and its former function as a prison illustrate different aspects of the architecture that has survived.

Buildings in Serravalle and the surrounding area

Near Varano De' Melegari is the Baptistery of Serravalle, an octagonal Romanesque building dating from the 9th century. The Pieve di San Lorenzo is also in Serravalle. The first records of it date from 1005; it is one of the oldest parish churches in the Province of Parma. These details refer to different historical classifications: the 9th century is the dating of the baptistery building, while 1005 marks the first records of the Pieve. When comparing the two dates, you should therefore not treat the dating of a building and its first written record as equivalent.

Another building in the surrounding area is Casa Valenti in Viazzano. Its sandstone portal has a shallow round arch. The Chiesa di San Martino is a place of interest in Varano De' Melegari. Alongside military architecture, Romanesque forms and specific architectural details can therefore also be focal points when planning your trip.

Walks, cycling tours and a specific route description

The hills around the Ceno can be explored on walks, cycling tours, mountain bike and e-bike rides, as well as panoramic routes. For a specific walking route, the trail to Big Bench #BB403 begins behind the cemetery in Varano De' Melegari, heads towards Castagnola and then climbs along an unpaved road. The starting point, direction and ascent give you clear reference points for planning this walk. After weather events, local confirmation of the route may be necessary; if such an event has occurred since you planned your trip, confirm the route locally.

Autodromo and getting there

The Autodromo di Varano de’ Melegari offers a motorsport-focused experience. Its race circuit is 2,350 metres long in its racing configuration and is approved by the FIA, CSAI and FMI. This technical detail provides a concrete point of reference for the circuit and distinguishes this focus from the cultural and historical themes and activities in the hills around the Ceno.

For travel by car, the A15 Parma–La Spezia is the main route. From the Fornovo di Taro exit, the road runs through the Val Ceno to Varano De' Melegari. For rail travel, Fornovo di Taro on the Parma–La Spezia line is the most convenient station; local connections towards Varano De' Melegari are available from there. As local connections and timetables may change, check them before departure. This lets you plan a journey suited to your travel preferences without assuming a specific travel time or connection.

Discover more destinations: Traversetolo, Polesine Parmense, Colorno, Banca, Vignale, Sant Andrea Bagni, Sanguigna, Medesano.

For the overall travel guide: Parma.