Discover Lugagnano Val D'arda

Lugagnano Val d’Arda combines impressive landscapes with traces of a long history and a variety of opportunities for active days. Between the rural farm complex of La Torricella, the archaeological sites of Veleia and the geological formations of Monte Giogo, you can set different priorities. When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home, it is therefore worth determining your own travel plan first: Should the trip focus mainly on nature, culture, hiking or regional discoveries?

Veleia and rural architectural heritage

La Torricella is a rural farm complex in the village of Torricella in Lugagnano Val d’Arda. It comprises a palace, a tower and a rustic outbuilding. This makes it an ensemble that vividly showcases the rural character of the area. A historical contrast is provided by the isolated Pieve di S. Antonino in Veleia, which has been rebuilt several times. It has been documented since the 9th century and is located on a natural rise south of the forum.

The history of Veleia Romana also goes back a long way. Research into the site began in 1760 under the Duke of Parma, Don Filippo di Borbone. This was preceded by the accidental discovery of the Tabula alimentaria traianea in 1747. Anyone interested in ancient history and the development of historical landscapes will find points of connection here for a trip that goes beyond simply visiting places.

Clay ridges, fossils and wide-ranging views

Monte Giogo features a distinctive landscape: The amphitheatre is a wall cut into Pliocene marine sediments, with narrow, dry clay ridges and deep, densely wooded ravines. The geosite Calanchi di Monte Giogo e affioramenti di Monte Padova e Monte Falcone includes fossil outcrops in Pliocene rocks. They comprise the historical stratotype profile of the Piacenzian.

Different time frames are available for hikes. The Trail of Monte Giogo takes about 3 hours to walk, while the Rio Carbonaro Path takes about 2 hours. Alders grow in the valley of the Rio Carbonaro; hygrophilous plants such as sedges, rushes, reeds, grasses and horsetails also shape the vegetation. In clear weather, the trail on Monte Giogo offers a view across the entire Po Valley; Piacenza and the Alps can also be seen then. Big Bench No. 413 is located within the regional park area of Parco Regionale dello Stirone e del Piacenziano.

Planning hikes and cycling experiences

Since 2013, the Marcia delle Terre Veleiate has been held as a non-competitive amateur recreational hike and is open to everyone interested. It offers three routes of 6, 12 and 18 kilometres, which start and finish beside the archaeological excavations of Veleia Romana. This allows you to take the desired route length into account when planning your day, without limiting your stay to just one way of getting around.

An e-bike rental service with 10 trekking e-bikes, protective helmets, charging stations and maintenance stations has been set up at the Torricella visitor centre in the village of Torricella, Chiavenna Rocchetta. Information boards also present the area and the Parchi e Castelli del Ducato cycling route. Prior reservation at least 24 hours in advance is required for collection and return. This information is particularly important if you want to firmly include a day of cycling in your travel plans.

Regional specialities and special events

Local culinary specialities include Ciambelline di Lugagnano, which are paired with the typical Malvasia wine. A cultural addition was provided by the 58th Infiorata in the church of S. Antonino in Veleia Romana: The programme included a traditional flower carpet as well as music, culture and good food. The event should be understood as a specific experience from that edition and not as a general statement about a permanent programme.

Choosing the right base

If you are primarily looking for landscapes and physical activity, the trails on Monte Giogo and in the Rio Carbonaro valley can form the focus of your stay. La Torricella and Veleia offer different highlights for those interested in cultural history. This allows you to choose a holiday apartment or holiday home more specifically according to the desired character of your trip, without associating the accommodation itself with unsubstantiated promises about its amenities or location.

Discover more destinations

For further planning, you can also view Chiaravalle, Pianello Val Tidone, Ponte Dell'olio, Travo, Piacenza, Rodi, Vernasca and Castelvetro Piacentino.

For the higher-level travel overview: Piacenza.