The best traffic-free bike rides around Fornovo Di Taro

Built to defend the paths of Val Baganza as early as the 12th century, it dominates the plain from the hill and offers enchanting views from its towers and loggias. The Courtyard of Honor, with its ancient charm, also houses a charming restaurant, open only by reservation, and the Salami Museum. Timeless emotions. Coordinates: https://maps.app.goo.gl/PfL3vHxGRnwsK7H97 Website: https://www.castellodifelino.it/ Stop on the Wine Route of the Colli di Parma, Felino Salami and Prosciutto di Parma - see the complete collection.

First mentioned in 981, the ancient church was completely rebuilt in Baroque style in the early 17th century at the behest of the Pallavicino marquises and subsequently modified in the apse area; heavily damaged by Allied bombing during the Second World War, it was restored in 1951 with the reconstruction of the bell tower and the façade in a revised neoclassical style, designed by engineer Carlo Corradi; assigned in 2003 to the diocese of Parma, it was restored between 2013 and 2014. The place of worship, flanked by two chapels on each side, is internally decorated with Doric pilasters and frescoes on the lunetted barrel vaults.

The Sanctuary of Santa Lucia is a Catholic place of worship with Baroque architecture, located on Via Santa Lucia in Santa Lucia, a hamlet of Medesano, in the province and diocese of Parma. It is the seat of a parish in the pastoral area of Pedemontana. HISTORY The original place of worship was built in the Middle Ages; the earliest evidence of its existence dates back to 1354, when the Ecclesia Sancte Lucie de Varano Marchionum was mentioned in the Ratio Decimarum of the diocese of Parma among the dependencies of the church of San Giorgio Martire of Varano dei Marchesi, within the jurisdiction of the parish of Fornovo. In 1565, the temple was rebuilt. On May 13, 1607, the church was solemnly consecrated by the Bishop of Fidenza, Giovanni Giorgio Linati, and two years later it was elevated to the status of an independent parish church. Between 1731 and 1794, the place of worship was completely rebuilt in Baroque style; the rectory was also built adjacent to it. On October 21, 1952, the church was elevated to the status of a diocesan sanctuary dedicated to the virgin and martyr Saint Lucy. Around 1960, the church underwent restoration work. SOURCE and other information: https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santuario_di_Santa_Lucia_(Medesano)

Felino Castle is located in the hills between the Parma and Baganza rivers in Emilia, a manor surrounded by a wide, deep moat and defended by imposing bastions. You will enter an elegant and charming atmosphere in the interior rooms and enchanting outdoor spaces, where summer events can be held, illuminated by the vibrant light of torches and the romantic glow of the moon. The main courtyard is accessed via a bridge over a wide moat. The bridge, now fixed but a drawbridge until the 19th century, was the castle's last defense against invaders. The dark bronze door, once opened, reveals a bright, luminous courtyard overlooked by porticoes and galleries that, over time, have replaced the ancient accesses to the patrol walkways. The high walls, defensive towers, and mighty keep are surrounded by a lawn whose position and shape resemble a terrace overlooking the hills and the plains stretching below the castle. Today, after over twenty years of careful restoration, it can be admired in all its splendor. Its nighttime illumination is so evocative and powerful that it can be seen from kilometers away. SOURCE: https://castelliemiliaromagna.it/it/s/felino/6005-castello_di_felino/ HISTORY of the castle and other information; https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castello_di_Felino

The Church of San Giovanni Battista is a Catholic place of worship with modernist architecture, located at Via Picelli 45 in Felegara, a hamlet of Medesano, in the province and diocese of Parma. It is the seat of a parish in the pastoral area of Pedemontana. HISTORY The original place of worship, dedicated to St. Iohannis, was built in the Middle Ages; the earliest evidence of its existence dates back to 1230, when the chapel was mentioned in the Capitulum seu Rotulus Decimarum of the Diocese of Parma. In 1564, the church was elevated to the status of an independent parish, but due to its poor structural condition, Bishop Giovanni Battista Castelli, during his apostolic visit in 1579, ordered its demolition and reconstruction or suppression. Construction of the new church began by 1627, and it was completed before 1714. The bell tower was erected in 1790. The bell tower was raised in 1920. In 1934, further radical renovations were undertaken on the church, designed by architect Moderanno Chiavelli. He expanded the building, adding two aisles to the 16th-century central nave and transforming the two 17th-century side chapels into the two branches of the transept, and gave it a new façade. This modernist place of worship was completed in 1938. In 1959, the interior was decorated according to a design by architect Marco Pellegri, with the arches, pillars, and apse covered in terracotta tiles by sculptor Mario Orlandini, who also created some panels, as well as the high altar and the marble pulpit. Between 2014 and 2016, the church underwent restoration work designed by architects Alberto Bordi, Sauro Rossi, and Marco Zarotti. The restoration work included the façades, roofs, and interiors, as well as the redevelopment of the presbytery and the resurfacing of the paving and churchyard. SOURCE and other information https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiesa_di_San_Giovanni_Battista_(Medesano,_Felegara)

Very useful cycle and pedestrian bridge that crosses the Baganza stream

Small bridge over the Baganza torrent, only for cycling and pedestrians - it is located in the town of San Vitale Baganza and connects with the Poggio di S. Ilario B.

Felino Castle is a medieval manor located on a hill in Strada Al Castello 1 in Felino, in the province of Parma; the building is home to a restaurant and the Felino salami museum.