Discover Forno: Po culture, nature and regional delicacies

Forno is the southern hamlet of “Il Forno” within Soarza. The village is a suitable starting point for a trip that combines history, riverside landscapes, regional festivals and distinctive culinary experiences. Families travelling together can combine different holiday ideas, choosing between cultural discoveries, walks, cycling excursions and a traditional cuisine.

Soarza: history on the Po and distinctive buildings

The historical importance of Soarza is connected with the Po. For centuries, its port and mills contributed to trade, duties and customs. The present-day settlement layout also tells the story of this past: it has remained practically unchanged since the 19th century and is an example of a 19th-century agricultural settlement.

Among the noteworthy details is Fattoria Pissavacca. There, a monumental gate with brick pillars leads via a driveway to the manor house. Soarza is also home to the neo-Gothic Church of San Giovanni Battista, dating from 1928. In the surrounding area stands the Rudon, an octagonal water well from the 19th century. Its pulley system was operated by a mule or horse. Details such as these give a trip around Forno a tangible historical character, without requiring you to limit yourself to large museum complexes.

Riverside landscapes and active days

Another focal point is the municipal area of Villanova sull'Arda. The Isola Giarola park is located there in the Po floodplain. Its renaturalised banks are home to the typical flora and fauna of river wetlands. The river park offers nature trails, fishing opportunities, a guided ecological and natural-history trail, a fitness course, bicycle hire and walking paths.

This makes it possible to combine different ideas for the day: you can explore the landscape, plan a walk or choose a bicycle as your means of transport. FATA Morgana ASD offers horse training as well as rides along the banks of the Po and through the countryside. For families with children of different ages, it is sensible to tailor the trip itinerary to shared interests and alternate cultural destinations with nature- or activity-based options.

Traditions, festivals and regional cuisine

In Soarza, the traditional Sagra della rana e del pesce takes place every year on the last Sunday in May. Another traditional annual event is the Festa dei ciliegi in fiore in the municipal area of Villanova sull'Arda. This traditional annual event includes walks among cherry trees and cycling excursions. Anyone wishing to plan their trip around such an occasion should take the relevant date into account when making arrangements.

The area is also closely connected with the Po through its cuisine. On the Strada del Po e dei Sapori della Bassa Piacentina, travellers can enjoy traditional dishes of the Great River in characteristic inns along the Po. These include smoked eel, stricc’ in carpion, fried ambolina, catfish and frogs. This regional cuisine offers a way to experience the landscape not only on foot or by bicycle, but also through its traditional flavours.

The right holiday apartment for your travel plans

When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home in Forno, you can first decide which experiences should be the focus. For a culture-focused trip, Soarza, its historic settlement structure, the Church of San Giovanni Battista and the Rudon take centre stage. If you prefer nature and activity, include Isola Giarola river park, walking paths, cycling excursions or a horse ride in your plans. Since the destinations mentioned are associated with different locations, it is worth carefully matching the location of your accommodation with the excursions you have planned. This makes Forno an interesting base for a trip combining history, Po landscapes and regional traditions.

Further places for planning your trip

If you would like to compare other destinations besides Forno, you can also include Quartazzola, Pontenure, Podenzano, Lugagnano Val D'arda, Perino, Rodi, Morfasso and Bobbio in your further search.

For the higher-level travel overview: Piacenza.