Through the castles of the Bassa parmense by bike

All Accommodations

The fascinating castles and mysterious villages of the land between the via Emilia and the Po River, the so called “Bassa” of Parma (Emilia-Romagna, Italy), to discover by bicycle with this beautiful cyclotour.

Travelling time: One day
Difficulty: Medium
Why we love it: A track to discover castles and small villages on the hills
Length: 75 km
Total Elevation Gain: 20 m
Way to travel: By bike, on foot
Cost: 0 €
Our Advice: Bikeable from March to October

Map that tells the trails castles and villages of Lower Parmigiana

A long journey by bike to visit the most picturesque villages and castles in the northern province of Parma.

Rocca di Fontanellato, Parma, Emilia-Romagna

Start this itinerary from Strada dei Mercati, turn right towards Verdi airport and at the first crossroads turn right towards Roncopascolo - Fiera. After about 1.5 kms turn left and go on until you reach the crossroads. Follow the Maretto canal, go past the motorway overpass, turn left and then right to Viarolo.

You can cycle on the bank of the Taro river until you reach Ronco Campo Canneto and then follow the road to San Secondo. Here you can visit the Castle built in 1450-60 by Pier Maria Rossi.

Rocca San Vitale, photo by Dutch Simba via Flickr

Turning right you will get to Castell'Aicardi and Fontanellato, renowed for the Rocca Sanvitale and the Sanctuary of Madonna del Rosario, pilgrims stopping-place.

Rocca Meli Lupi, photo by Dutch Simba via Flickr

Leave again to Cannetolo and, following Strada Farnese, you will get to Soragna, where you can visit the Rocca Meli Lupi, the Parmigiano Reggiano Museum and the Giovannino Guareschi's Museum.

Go back to San Secondo and, after crossing the bridge on the river Taro, turn left to Ronco Campo Canneto.Turn left again on Strada del Borgazzo and then right into a road lined with trees. After cycling along the canal, turn left and follow signs to Baganzola-Castelnuovo. Near the oratory turn right, then left to Ravadese and follow on the bank until you get back to Parma.

An ecofriendly stay near the trek:

Agriturism “Podere Roveto” - Fontanellato, Parma

Podere Roveto is situated in the place Cannetolo under the town of Fontanellato (PR), and is located in a strategic location close to charming medieval castles and fortresses.

Cover photo: Fortress of Fontanellato via Flickr

Eco-friendly accommodations