Forno: Borgata Il Forno and Soarza’s rural heritage

Forno is the southern borgata, “Il Forno,” within Soarza. The townscape combines an agricultural settlement layout with historic buildings and a history also shaped by the Po. When planning your trip, you can therefore explore different aspects of the area: its established buildings, individual structures, and the riverside landscape.

Soarza’s settlement pattern and history on the Po

The current building layout in Soarza has remained practically unchanged since the 19th century and is considered an example of an agricultural settlement from that period. At Fattoria Pissavacca, a monumental gate with brick pillars leads along a driveway to the manor house. The neo-Gothic Church of San Giovanni Battista dates from 1928. The Rudon, an octagonal 19th-century water well, is also located near Soarza. Its pulley system was operated by a mule or horse.

The historic connection with the Po is also reflected in the importance of its port and mills: for centuries, they contributed to trade, duties, and tolls. Together with the agricultural settlement layout, they offer a range of historical perspectives—from the development of the area and individual architectural forms to trade on the river. If you are interested in local history, there is more to explore than just one attraction.

Riverside landscape and activities

The Isola Giarola River Park lies in the Po floodplain within the municipality of Villanova sull’Arda. Its restored riverbanks are home to the typical flora and fauna of river wetlands. The park has educational trails, fishing opportunities, a guided ecological and natural history trail, a fitness trail, bicycle rentals, and walking paths. It therefore offers both nature-focused activities and various ways to get active in the park.

FATA Morgana ASD also offers horse-related activities: horse training and rides along the banks of the Po and through the countryside. This is a different way to experience the surroundings than the educational and walking trails in the river park. For those interested in cycling, there are two more options to note: bicycles are available for rent in the river park, and the Festa dei ciliegi in fiore includes bike rides in the municipality of Villanova sull’Arda.

Annual festivals in Soarza and Villanova sull’Arda

The traditional Sagra della rana e del pesce takes place every year in Soarza on the last Sunday in May. The Festa dei ciliegi in fiore is a traditional annual event in Villanova sull’Arda. It includes walks among cherry trees and bike rides in the municipality. Both events recur annually, but their specific schedules differ: the Sagra is held on the last Sunday in May, while walks and bike rides are part of the described program for the Festa. If you are planning your trip around a festival, check the latest event dates before booking.

Regional cuisine along the Po

The Strada del Po e dei Sapori della Bassa Piacentina offers a taste of the wider region. Along the Po, travelers can enjoy traditional dishes of the Great River at characteristic inns. These include smoked eel, stricc’ in carpion, fried ambolina, catfish, and frogs. The route adds a distinct regional flavor alongside the settlement and nature themes, focusing on river cuisine and dishes associated with the Po.

Discover more destinations: Pecorara, Castel San Giovanni, Chiaravalle, Nibbiano, Morfasso, Larzano-castello, Fiorenzuola Dʼarda, Russi.

For the main travel overview: Piacenza.