Ozzano Taro
Ozzano Taro: a hidden gem in the province of Parma
Hello everyone! Today we will talk about a small hamlet located in the Taro Valley, in the heart of the Parma Apennines. Ozzano Taro is a quiet and charming place that definitely deserves a visit if you are in the surroundings of Parma.
Physical geography
Ozzano Taro is located a few kilometers from the capital city of Collecchio, and is situated on a plain at the foot of the Apennine hills. The hamlet is bathed by the Taro river, which defines its landscape.
Origins of the name
There are several hypotheses about the origin of the name Ozzano Taro. Some sources trace the toponym back to the ancient Etruscan language, where "hunt" means "five", referring to the distance from the Salt Road. Other scholars instead argue that the name derives from the Latin "Altianus", which means "high place" compared to the river.
History
Ozzano Taro is a small inhabited center with a millenary history. The first mention of human settlement dates back to 1005, when the bishop of Parma donated the lands of Alciano, Gaiano and Madregolo to the Monastery of San Paolo. In 1230, the first chapel was built, which depended on the Santa Maria Assunta Pieve of Fornovo.
One of the most important historical events concerning this area is undoubtedly the Battle of Fornovo, which took place in 1495. On this occasion, the army of the French king Charles VIII was repulsed by the Anti-French League led by the Duchy of Milan and the Republic of Venice. The village of Gualatica, which was located very close to Ozzano, disappeared later due to the erosion of the river waters.
In 1709, the Duke of Parma granted the title of Marquis to Domenico Manara, who obtained control of the feuds of Ozzano, Sivizzano and Triano. The hamlet maintained this status until the abolition of the feuds in 1805, when it was incorporated into the municipality of Fornovo di Taro. Only in 1909 did it become part of Collecchio.
Monuments and places of interest
Despite its small size, Ozzano Taro offers some places of historical and artistic interest.
Church of San Pietro
The Church of San Pietro is the main place of worship in the hamlet. Built in 1750 in Baroque style, it has undergone numerous restorations over the centuries. Among the works of art inside the church, one can admire the paintings "Madonna with Child and Saints" and "Baptism of Jesus" from the XVII century, and "Madonna dell'Umiltà" from the XVIII century.
Culture
Ettore Guatelli Museum
The Ettore Guatelli Museum is a very interesting place for those who want to learn about the history of peasant life in the province of Parma. Here you can admire a vast collection of everyday objects that were used by peasant families until the XX century. The museum is located inside the Bellafoglia farmhouse, immerse in the uncontaminated nature of the Apennines.
In short, if you are looking for a peaceful place to spend a day surrounded by nature and history, Ozzano Taro is definitely a destination not to be missed. We hope that this article has been useful and fun to read. See you next time!
