Castel San Giovanni
Castel San Giovanni: a municipality in the province of Piacenza
Castel San Giovanni is a municipality in the province of Piacenza, located in the low Tidone valley, between the last foothills of the hilly area and the Po Valley. With its 14139 inhabitants, it is the last town in Emilia before Lombardy.
The physical geography of Castel San Giovanni
The city and the municipal territory are located on the right bank of the Po, in the western part of the province, on the border with the province of Pavia. Its location makes it a natural passageway for those heading towards Lombardy.
The history of Castel San Giovanni
The first historical period of Castel San Giovanni dates back to the Roman period, when it was part of Regio IX Liguria, subsequently united with Emilia and Traspadana. Under the domination of the Lombards and the Franks, the town remained unchanged before becoming part of the Marca Obertenghi (Eastern Liguria).
In 1243 and 1246, King Enzo, son of Frederick II of Swabia, besieged the Castle of Olubra, but failed to conquer it. In 1252, Ferrario Cane destroyed it, but it was rebuilt by Alberto Scotti in 1290.
Between the 14th and 16th centuries, Castel San Giovanni changed hands many times, passing from the Fontana family to the Arcelli, from the Dal Verme to the Pallavicino. In 1436, the County of Bobbio and Voghera was formed under the Dal Verme, which became the main lord of the city.
In 1525, the Dal Verme regained all the fiefs of Bobbio, Voghera and the Tidone valley. However, the lordship of Castel San Giovanni and Sarmato remained off limits.
In 1545, with the formation of the Duchy of Parma and Piacenza, the feudalism of Castel San Giovanni became Piacenza and was definitively assigned to the Farnese family.
The cultural heritage of Castel San Giovanni
The city boasts a very rich historical and cultural heritage. Among the most important monuments are the Church of San Giovanni Battista, built in the 15th century, the Church of San Francesco, the Castle of Olubra and the Tower of the Knights.
But the city also offers many opportunities for contemporary art enthusiasts, with exhibitions organized in various art galleries.
The typical cuisine of Castel San Giovanni
Like many cities in Emilia-Romagna, Castel San Giovanni offers a very rich and tasty cuisine, with dishes based on homemade fresh pasta, Parmigiano Reggiano, Parma ham and porcini mushrooms.
Among the typical dishes of the city, you can find torta fritta, pisarei e fasò, anolini in broth and coppa.
Tourism in Castel San Giovanni
Castel San Giovanni is an ideal place for tourists who want to discover the authenticity and beauty of the Italian countryside. The territory is rich in natural landscapes, between valleys and hills, and offers many outdoor activities, such as trekking and cycling.
For those seeking relaxation and wellness, Castel San Giovanni also offers many opportunities to visit thermal baths, wellness centers and swimming pools.
Conclusions
Castel San Giovanni is a city rich in history and culture, with a tasty traditional cuisine and a varied territory full of natural landscapes. A true jewel of Emilia-Romagna to discover and appreciate.
