Pellegrino Parmense: Churches, History and Routes

Pellegrino Parmense lies in the northern part of the Ceno Valley, in a hollow on the right bank of one of the branches of the Stirone. Its history is closely linked to the routes between Emilia, Tuscany and Liguria: the town developed into one of the most important Pallavicino strongholds and controlled these routes. When choosing a hotel for your stay, you can focus on architectural history, routes or a visit timed around a festival.

Churches, Rulership and Craftsmanship

The Pieve di San Martino in Iggio is documented as early as 1040. Its central portal dates from the late 11th century and belonged to an earlier church. The role of the pieve also extended beyond the building itself: several chapels depended on it in the 11th and 12th centuries, which explains its historical importance at the time. The parish church of San Giuseppe adds a later building phase to this older heritage. It was built in the Romanesque style between 1915 and 1927.

Traces of fortification and work are also part of the town’s history. Castello Pallavicino was fortified by Adalberto of Baden. In 981, Emperor Otto granted him the castle, together with the margraviate, as a fief. Underground rooms with loopholes and the remains of a cistern survive on the site of the Torre dei Marchesi. The Mulino dell’Egola shows another side of the area’s history: a vertical waterwheel with iron bucket paddles is preserved there. The mill was in operation until about 1965. Thus, religious architectural history, rulership and technological use stand side by side in Pellegrino Parmense as distinct topics.

Routes and Seasonal Events

The Trasversale Francigena connects two stages with the main town: the first runs from Borgo di Vigoleno to Pellegrino Parmense, the second from there to Pessola, a hamlet in the municipality of Varsi. A section of CAI Trail 804 connects Pellegrino Parmense with the summit of Monte S. Cristina; this section includes a dry-stone wall. The routes therefore offer different specific points of reference for planning a trip: the sequence of named stages or a trail section with a surviving built feature.

The events calendar also features seasonal highlights. The Fiera del Parmigiano Reggiano di Montagna usually takes place in the first week of July and includes guided tastings. In June, Pellegrino Parmense celebrates traditional bread made from ancient grain varieties. The Feast of Santa Maria Assunta on August 15 includes a centuries-old procession and religious celebrations attended by thousands of pilgrims. The dates are specified to different degrees: the first week of July is the usual period for the fair. Check event dates if you are planning your trip specifically around them.

Getting There and Practical Planning

By car, you can reach Pellegrino Parmense via the A15 Parma–La Spezia motorway, taking the Fornovo di Taro exit and then continuing through Varano de’ Melegari. For train travel, Fornovo di Taro and Fidenza are the most convenient stations; local connections to the surrounding area are available from there. Check these connections before your trip to make sure they fit your plans.

E-bike rental is associated with the Ostello di San Francesco at Via Roma 33. Check the current information about the operator before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Vignale, Sanguigna, Calestano, Traversetolo, Santa Maria Del Piano, Roncopascolo, Arola, Sant Andrea Bagni

Return to the main travel overview: Parma.