Bardi
Bardi: a hidden gem in the province of Parma
Hello friends! Today we will talk about the town of Bardi, a small hidden gem in the province of Parma, Emilia-Romagna. Bardi has about 1994 inhabitants and is located about 625 meters above sea level in the upper Ceno valley.
Physical Geography
The territory of Bardi is situated in a charming location: it is the confluence between the Ceno and Noveglia streams, a few kilometers from the provincial capital of Parma and the Fornovo di Taro exit of the A15 motorway (Italy).
History
Bardi has an ancient and fascinating history. According to legend, the name of the town would derive from Bardus or Barrio, the last elephant in the Carthaginian army of Hannibal who died here during the march towards Rome. In his memory, Hannibal would then have decided to found a colony.
On the contrary, according to official history, the toponym Bardi would derive from the nickname that distinguished the Lombard nobility - the so-called Arimanni - a group of whom settled here around 600 AD. Bardi was inhabited since the Paleolithic era (as evidenced by archaeological finds on Monte Lama) and later by the Ligurians; in Roman times it was part of the municipium of Veleia, and was crossed by the road axis that led to Luni and Rome.
The monastery of Bobbio, as is evident from various imperial diplomas and the Wala Charter, owned the court of Boccolo (Bocolo or Boculum), which extended throughout the territory of Bardi and beyond. Along the way, the Gravago also arose. The monastic cells of Acquanera (now Santa Giustina), Credarola and Granelli, Gazzo and Cogno di Gazzo, Gravago and the monastery of San Michele, Grezzo (Grecio) and Cogno di Grezzo, Osacca and the S. Donna pass, Linguadà Pass, Passo del Pellizzone, Pieve di Casanova, Faggio (Fao) and Pione, Tanugola, were also mentioned in the court.
The town is dominated by the imposing Castle of Bardi, built in an elevated position on a spur of red jasper. The first written testimony of the presence of a castle dates back to 869. In January 1000, the bishop of Piacenza Sigifredo moved to Bardi, as the fief had become an inherited asset of the Bishops of Piacenza. In 1251, following a rebellion, the Pallavicino - lords of Piacenza - stormed and destroyed the castle.
The Castle of Bardi
On March 19, 1257, the fief was acquired by Ubertino Landi of the Landi di Piacenza - Ghibelline counts - who remained, with varying fortunes, lords of Bardi for the next four centuries. Ubertino Landi rebuilt and fortified the castle into an almost impregnable stronghold. In the struggle between papacy and empire (Guelphs and Ghibellines), Bardi always remained linked to the empire.
The current structure of the castle dates back to the 13th century and develops over four floors. The ground floor was used as a weapons and horse depot, while the first floor housed the lodgings of the powerful lord and his family. Over the centuries, new fortifications and mills were added to exploit the power of the water from the Noveglia stream.
During World War II, the castle housed the Jesuit order and then, from 1965, was transformed into a museum: the Museum of the Castle of Bardi. Today it is a unique tourist attraction in Italy that offers a breathtaking view of the valley and organizes cultural events, theatrical performances, and art exhibitions.
The cuisine of Bardi
You cannot talk about Bardi without mentioning its excellent traditional cuisine. Bardi's cuisine is based on the Emilian-Romagnan tradition, known worldwide for its excellence. Typical dishes of Bardi include potato tortelli, pork shoulder cooked underground, porcini mushrooms, and local cold cuts.
For an authentic culinary experience, we recommend visiting local restaurants such as Ristorante Ottone, Ristorante Belvedere, and Ristorante Pizzeria Al Ponte.
Outdoor activities
The surrounding nature of Bardi allows for numerous outdoor activities. The surrounding territory is rich in springs, streams, and watercourses that offer spectacular landscapes. You can go hiking, cycling or horse riding. Mount Santa Cristina offers a panoramic view of the town and its surroundings, while Mount Penna is a popular destination for hiking enthusiasts.
Conclusions
Bardi is a town that offers a complete and authentic vacation experience. Its ancient history, castle, and surrounding nature make it an ideal destination for culture and nature lovers. The local cuisine is another reason to visit Bardi: do not leave the town without tasting its typical dishes. What are you waiting for? Come and discover Bardi!
