Castelnuovo Fogliani
Welcome to Castelnuovo Fogliani!
Hello, everyone! Today, I would like to talk to you about Castelnuovo Fogliani, a hamlet in the municipality of Alseno, in the province of Piacenza, which is located on a small hill of 111 meters above sea level. The history of this place is very interesting, and it is closely linked to the presence of a fortified castle dating back to the 12th century when the inhabited center was known by the names of Montebello, Belmonte, and Belvedere.
The history of Castelnuovo Fogliani
According to Attilio Zuccagni-Orlandini, an expert in Italian toponymy, Castelnuovo Fogliani owes its name to the condottiero Niccolò Terzi il Vecchio, Count of Tizzano Val Parma and Belvedere, who had it erected in 1377. Thanks to its privileged position on the median valley of the Ongina stream, Castelnuovo became the favorite residence of noble families who succeeded each other in the possession of the castle. Among these, the da Correggio and the Pallavicino stand out, followed by the Terzi di Parma, who were invested as counts of the fiefs of Tizzano Val Parma and Belvedere in 1247 by Frederick II of Swabia.
During the Middle Ages, the territory of Castelnuovo Fogliani was part of the Duchy of Milan, governed by the Visconti and subsequently by the Sforza. After the unification of Italy, it was annexed to the province of Piacenza. Today, Castelnuovo Fogliani is a fascinating place full of history, which is definitely worth a visit.
Attractions in Castelnuovo Fogliani
If you are passionate about history, Castelnuovo Fogliani is the ideal place for you. You can visit the mighty tower that dominates the village and the landscape or admire the magnificent palace with its adjacent garden that belonged to the Fogliani, who succeeded the Terzi in 1470. The view from the top of the hill is simply breathtaking, and allows you to admire a large part of the surrounding valley.
Furthermore, Castelnuovo Fogliani is located on the path of the ancient Via Francigena, which connected Canterbury with Rome. Walking along it is a unique and unforgettable experience that allows you to fully immerse yourself in the history and culture of the place.
Gastronomy in Castelnuovo Fogliani
Like all places in the province of Piacenza, Castelnuovo Fogliani is famous for its gastronomy. Here you can taste delicacies such as stuffed fried cake, culatello, local salami, and wines. I highly recommend trying the famous anolini in broth, a traditional specialty made by mixing pork, veal, and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.
Events and Festivals
Castelnuovo Fogliani also hosts various events and festivals throughout the year. One of these is undoubtedly the Fiera di San Giovanni, which is held every year on June 24th to celebrate the patron saint of the village. During the fair, you can find stalls of all kinds, shows, concerts, and taste local delicacies.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Castelnuovo Fogliani is a fascinating place full of history, which is definitely worth a visit. You can admire the mighty tower that dominates the village and the landscape, walk along the ancient Via Francigena, taste local delicacies, and participate in the events and festivals that take place throughout the year. I hope I have made you want to visit Castelnuovo Fogliani, and I wish you a pleasant visit!
