Gazzola between the Trebbia, Castles and Wine

Gazzola lies on the western bank of the River Trebbia. The Ciclovia del Trebbia passes through the town; Gazzola is also on a wine and food trail and the “Andando per castelli” riding route. Historic buildings and wine experiences add further points of interest to these routes when planning your stay.

Routes and River Landscape

The Ciclovia del Trebbia passes through Gazzola on its route from Piacenza to Castello di Rivalta and onward to Castello di Statto. This sets out a specific sequence of starting point and destinations. Gazzola is also on the Strada dei Vini e dei Sapori dei Colli Piacentini, a wine and food trail, and the “Andando per castelli” riding route. The names indicate different themes: the Ciclovia is a cycling route, the Strada is a wine and food trail, and “Andando per castelli” is a riding route. You can therefore plan your stay around whichever routes interest you most.

In the wider region, the Parco Regionale Fluviale del Trebbia protects around 30 kilometres of the river. Its extensive gravel banks are of considerable importance to migratory birds. This broader view beyond the town itself adds a perspective on the river and its habitat to the routes.

Castles and Architectural History

The medieval Borgo di Rivalta includes buildings dating from the 13th to the 17th century. The visit begins at the Oratorio della Madonna del Ponte. This octagonal building developed from a medieval bridge tower. For your arrival, it is important to note that the Borgo is closed to traffic; parking for cars and coaches is located next to the village.

Castello di Momeliano also offers a distinct point of reference in time: it was built around the middle of the 14th century and altered several times through the Renaissance. At Castello di Rezzanello, by contrast, the ground plan catches the eye first: it is trapezoidal, with four towers projecting from the corners and a large courtyard. These architectural features give you specific points of reference for viewing the castles’ different forms.

The Chiesa di San Martino was rebuilt in the 14th century in the Lombard Romanesque style and was first mentioned in a document in 1037. The Museo di Rivalta displays weapons and armour from the 15th to the 17th century. Its other holdings include Japanese armour, as well as banners and small flags from the Battle of Lepanto on 7 October 1571. The Monumento all’elefante commemorates a much earlier battle: in 218 BC, Hannibal Barca defeated the Roman troops at the Trebbia. The church, museum and monument thus bring together different historical moments and forms of remembrance.

Wine Experiences in Gazzola

The Luretta winery has its own vineyards in the area around Castello di Momeliano in Gazzola. At the castle, Luretta offers a classic wine experience with a cellar tour and a tasting of four classic Luretta wines. Another option is “Il gusto della sera”: it combines a guided cellar tour with a tasting of four wines and dinner featuring a Piacenza-style menu and wine pairing at the Al Contesse restaurant. Booking is required for organisational details. The evening experience adds a shared meal to the cellar tour and wine tasting, making the two experiences different in the scope described.

Discover more destinations: Travo, Croce, Ziano Piacentino, San Pietro In Cerro, Caminata, Fiorenzuola Dʼarda, Gragnano Trebbiense, San Nazzaro.

For the main travel overview: Piacenza.