Borgotaro

Borgo Val di Taro, commonly called Borgotaro, is considered the capital of the Alta Val Taro in the Apennines. Fom Parma, south westwards; it boasts a strategic position among three regions: Emilia Romagna, Tuscany and Liguria.

The village sits in a vibrant location, full of cultural interests: the remains of an old castle, Romanesque churches and historical palaces. The main landmark of the whole Val Taro valley, every year Borgotaro attracts many tourists fascinated by the castles of the area, the naturalistic itineraries and the good food. The king of the local gastronomy is the delicious Porcino mushroom, recognized with the quality brand PGI, Protected Geographical Indication. As proof of the high quality of life in the village, Borgotaro has become part of the Slow City circuit.

In the historical centre of the village you may visit the remains of the old castle with part of the original old walls. Also noteworthy is the 13th century Romanesque church of Sant’Antonino with its organ of great value, which still works. Among the palaces, Boveri Palace stands out, where the Queen of Spain, Elisabetta Farnese, lived for a while; for the occasion of her visit in 1714, the palace was stuccoed. In the medieval village do not miss the 16th century Church of San Domenico where the remarkable Madonna del Rosario, an engraved gold statue of the 17th century, is located .

Walking in Borgotaro you may savour not only the calmness, the simple living, but also the importance of history, from its Roman origins to the war of Resistance in World War II. An ancient crossroads for merchants, pilgrims and travellers of the past, Borgotaro is still today one of the stops along the Via Francigena route.

The autumn season is probably the best period to visit Borgotaro, thanks to the full calendar of events and the gastronomic offers with the well-known Porcino Mushroom Fair in September. In Spring and in the summer time the gentle hills and mountains tinged with green and the mild weather let you stroll into the woods or along clear streams where the typical fauna lives.