The best road cycling routes around Fontevivo

The Berzieri Baths and Tabiano Castle are two of the most important historical and architectural attractions in the territory of Salsomaggiore Terme and Tabiano, in the province of Parma. Together they represent the perfect blend of thermal relaxation and the historical charm of the Castles of the Duchy.

The Valico di Sant'Antonio is an Apennine pass located at 650 meters above sea level in Emilia-Romagna, connecting Salsomaggiore Terme to Pellegrino Parmense on the SP359R.

The date of foundation of the first church is not known, however the dedication of the church of Coenzo to the cult of San Siro di Pavia attests that at the time of its construction the influence of Lombard culture still persisted in the territory. A parchment dated September 3, 1140 attests to the existence of a first building quidbquid iuris habeat in Ecclesia de Coencio. Bishop Obizzo, on October 5, 1197, issued a sentence to settle the dispute between the archpriest of Sorbolo and the abbess Ferlinda who claimed the right to appoint the clerics of the chapel of San Siro di Coenzo. The dispute went in favor of the abbess who, however, had to undertake to pay an annual tribute to the archpriest. The parchment Ratio decimarum of 1299 cites it as dependent on the parish of Sorbolo. It appears again in the 1354 estimate.

The Pallavicino Castle of Varano de' Melegari is an extraordinary medieval fortress located on a sandstone spur in the Ceno valley, in the province of Parma. Renowned for being a perfect example of defensive military architecture, the castle was designed to be completely impregnable. It is part of the prestigious circuit of the Castles of the Duchy of Parma, Piacenza and Pontremoli.

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)

Vogoleno Castle is very beautiful

A beautiful climb, quite challenging at first, then becoming easier towards the pass at 650 meters. I would not recommend doing it in the height of summer as it is completely exposed and without the shelter of wooded areas. The long descent to Salsomaggiore Terme is very beautiful.