The best cycling routes around Sala Baganza

La Rocca Sanvitale di Sala Baganza is a fascinating fortress of medieval origin located in Sala Baganza, in the province of Parma. Born around the year 1100 as a defensive structure, it lost its military function over time to transform into a sumptuous noble residence and hunting lodge, hosting three great dynasties over the centuries: the Sanvitale, the Farnese, and the Bourbon. Although three of its original sides were demolished in the Napoleonic era, the building today preserves splendid Renaissance frescoes from the 16th century and is surrounded by the majestic Farnesian Garden.

The Carrega Woods Park is the first protected area established in Emilia-Romagna (in 1982) and extends for about 2,600 hectares on the gentle hills between Collecchio and Sala Baganza, about 15 km from Parma. Characteristics and Nature Landscape: It combines centuries-old woods of oaks, chestnuts, and conifers with green meadows, streams, and small historic artificial lakes. Places of interest: It houses architectural jewels such as the famous Casino de' Boschi and the evocative Beech Forest of Maria Amalia

First mentioned in 854, Santa Maria Assunta is among the oldest parish churches in the diocese of Parma. In the mid-11th century, the church with three naves and three apses was built, whose structure is the basis of the current building. A few decades later, to offer shelter to pilgrims, a front portico was added to this structure, wide three bays and deep two, later closed and integrated into the church. In the same period, a pulpit was created, dismantled at the end of the 16th century, of which some sculptural parts are preserved. A first side chapel was built in the 14th century, the second in the 16th. The other chapels were added to the church during the renovation work that from 1712 to 1745 adapted it to the taste of the time, plastering the walls and vaulting the naves. The radical restoration work carried out from 1927 to 1942 removed much of the 18th-century additions.

The Pieve di Santa Maria Assunta, also known as the Pieve di Fornovo, is one of the most important and evocative Catholic places of worship in the Romanesque style in the province of Parma. Located in Piazza IV Novembre in Fornovo di Taro, the church represents an extraordinary historical testimony, inextricably linked to the medieval flow of pilgrims along the Via Francigena. First mentioned in an official document from the year 854, the pieve probably stands on the remains of a previous Roman temple dedicated to the god Mercury. The current basilica layout with three naves and three apses dates back to the mid-11th century. A few decades later, a frontal portico was added to offer shelter to travelers, later integrated into the facade itself.

Romanesque parish church of great historical interest, the bas-reliefs on the facade are interesting

The Boschi di Carrega Regional Nature Park was established in 1982 as the first regional park in Emilia-Romagna. It is located in the province of Parma, extending for about 1270 hectares on the river terraces between the Taro river and the Baganza stream, in the municipal territories of Collecchio, Sala Baganza and Fornovo di Taro. This green lung protects a hilly area of immense naturalistic, historical and cultural value, famous for its ducal atmospheres and elegant landscapes.

The Boschi di Carrega Regional Park was established in 1982 as the first regional park in Emilia-Romagna. It is located in the province of Parma, extending for about 1270 hectares on the river terraces between the Taro river and the Baganza stream, in the municipal territories of Collecchio, Sala Baganza and Fornovo di Taro. This green lung protects a hilly area of immense naturalistic, historical and cultural value, famous for its ducal atmospheres and its elegant landscapes.

The Church of San Giovanni Battista is a Catholic place of worship with modernist architecture, located at Via Picelli 45 in Felegara, a hamlet of Medesano, in the province and diocese of Parma. It is the seat of a parish in the pastoral area of Pedemontana. HISTORY The original place of worship, dedicated to St. Iohannis, was built in the Middle Ages; the earliest evidence of its existence dates back to 1230, when the chapel was mentioned in the Capitulum seu Rotulus Decimarum of the Diocese of Parma. In 1564, the church was elevated to the status of an independent parish, but due to its poor structural condition, Bishop Giovanni Battista Castelli, during his apostolic visit in 1579, ordered its demolition and reconstruction or suppression. Construction of the new church began by 1627, and it was completed before 1714. The bell tower was erected in 1790. The bell tower was raised in 1920. In 1934, further radical renovations were undertaken on the church, designed by architect Moderanno Chiavelli. He expanded the building, adding two aisles to the 16th-century central nave and transforming the two 17th-century side chapels into the two branches of the transept, and gave it a new façade. This modernist place of worship was completed in 1938. In 1959, the interior was decorated according to a design by architect Marco Pellegri, with the arches, pillars, and apse covered in terracotta tiles by sculptor Mario Orlandini, who also created some panels, as well as the high altar and the marble pulpit. Between 2014 and 2016, the church underwent restoration work designed by architects Alberto Bordi, Sauro Rossi, and Marco Zarotti. The restoration work included the façades, roofs, and interiors, as well as the redevelopment of the presbytery and the resurfacing of the paving and churchyard. SOURCE and other information https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiesa_di_San_Giovanni_Battista_(Medesano,_Felegara)