Via Francigena is a wonderful path that has attracted numerous pilgrims looking for spirituality. It’s not a single road, it’s a network of paths. Along these streets, which lead from northern Europe and France to Rome and Apulia (where the boarding to the Holy Land was situated), thousands of pilgrims used to walk searching for faith. In Italy, via Francigena passes by many places, like abbeys, medieval villages, and castles: this street is rich in art and culture and is surrounded by nature. You can explore the paths on foot or by bike.
Let’s go on the Tuscan-Emilian Appenine to discover together the itinerary from Costamezzana to Fornovo Taro, about 34 km long. This part of via Francigena, in the province of Parma, offers breathtaking views, unspoiled hills, castles, ancient churches, and eco-friendly farmhouses. Are you ready to go?
The path
Starting from Costamezzana, you have to go towards the cemetery and take the street on the left. You should follow the white path directed towards the Castle of Costamezzana. When you arrive at a saddleback, you have to go left among fields and vineyards, going down towards the valley of the Recchio stream. Then, you need to take a street that goes by the Case Barbieri, to arrive in the town of Cella di Noceto. Going right, you have to take a steep climb with plenty of remains of shells. When you’re one the peak, you have to go left, towards Case Baratta, in order to reach Medesano.
Later, you should take the right sidewalk that passes in front of the monument for the Italian Sailors. Arrived in the street directed towards the station of Medesano, you need to go down on the left, following a bike path to reach the location La Carnevala. Now, you have to go up among the houses of Costa Artrusi until you reach La Gatta and then Pianezza, where you need to go left to arrive in the town of Felegara.
You follow the sidewalk until you see a roundabout where you have to go left. After the railway, you will arrive at another roundabout where you need to right. When you get near a big company, you should go left, until you enter the Taro River Park. After the tunnel, you have to take the second street on the right and pass the canal. Then there’s a path, between the courtyard of a company and the highway. After the company, you should go left, along a street between the Taro riverbed and a sports field. You have to cross the bridge to reach Fornovo Taro. After the bridge, you should go down on the right until Piazza Matteotti, a square with trees and a fountain. You cross the square and then go up on the left, along a path that leads to the Pieve.
In the heart of Fornovo Taro, the Pieve of Santa Maria Assunta is a stunning stone church that dates back to the Lombard period. The architecture is in a Romanesque style. In a niche, you can admire the statue of a pilgrim, a symbol, and a reference to Via Francigena. In fact, this church had a front porch that offered shelter to pilgrims.
Where to stay
Located in Noceto, B&B CIVICO 75 is situated in a panoramic spot on the hill. It’s close to the Via Francigena and the Taro Park. Renovated with the principles of green building, this facility uses energy-saving lights, a solar and photovoltaic system, and sustainable furniture. Here, you can sample 0 km food and bring your pets, that will play with the owners’ cats. If you’re environmentally aware, this is the ideal place for an ecological lifestyle. B&B CIVICO 75 is perfect to recharge your batteries and relax while admiring the Tuscan hills.
Book your stay here with Ecobnb and explore this amazing itinerary of Via Francigena: perfect for those who want to admire natural landscapes, breathtaking views, and villages full of history.
Bed & Breakfast CIVICO 75 – Green Bed & Breakfast in Noceto, PR, Emilia-Romagna, IT 
