Cereseto
Cereseto: a corner of paradise in the Parmesan Apennines
Cereseto is a beautiful hamlet in the municipality of Compiano, located in the Parmesan Apennines. This location is only 8.87 km from the capital and is bathed by the Ceno river. Known for its lush and fascinating nature, Cereseto is nestled at the foot of Mount Pelpi, surrounded by a frame of cultivated fields and immersed in a dense chestnut, oak, beech and pine forest. In this article, I will talk about the origins of Cereseto, its history, and the most important places of interest that you can visit.
Physical geography: an enchanting place
Cereseto, an enchanting place, is located in the upper valley of the Ceno, in a panoramic position. The hamlet, located in a mountainous area, is characterized by the presence of numerous chestnut, oak, beech and pine forests. Nature here is still unspoiled, and hiking enthusiasts find a real earthly paradise in this locality.
Origin of the name: from the oak forest to Cerasòla
The name Cereseto derives from the oak forests, a typical tree of mountainous areas. In the High Middle Ages, the locality was known as Cerasòla, meaning "oak forest." Over time, this name transformed into Cereseto, and the place became a hamlet of the municipality of Compiano.
History: from the donations of the Lombards to the Platoni to the Landi
Cereseto has an ancient and fascinating history. In the High Middle Ages, the hamlet was donated by the Lombard kings to the religious of the Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio, to whom the possession of this territory was confirmed in 832 and 841. Later, the area came under the control of the religious of the Church of San Sisto in Piacenza.
Around the mid-twelfth century, the hamlet was sold by the Malaspina to the Municipality of Piacenza. Then, the Platoni, several other feudal lords, and finally the Landi, acquired the area in the fifteenth century. In 1682, Gian Andrea III Doria-Landi sold the Landi estate to the Duke of Parma Ranuccio II Farnese, who annexed it to the Duchy of Parma and Piacenza.
Monuments and places of interest: the Church of San Giacomo Maggiore and the Baptistry
In Cereseto, there are two monuments of great historical and cultural interest. The Church of San Giacomo Maggiore, probably built in the fourteenth century, was rebuilt in Baroque style in 1899. Inside, the church houses numerous statues, an organ, and some wooden furnishings from the second half of the eighteenth century. The fresco created in 1998 by Tiziano Triani is also wonderful.
Another place of interest is the Baptistry, built in stone and in Baroque style, probably before the edict of Saint Cloud. The sandstone baptismal font is the most precious element of this building. The baptistry is preceded by a three-arched portico with a full-sweeping vault, decorated with floral motifs frescoes on the vault. Finally, the mortuary chamber is located under the floor.
Cereseto is a unique experience to live: the breathtaking nature, the fascinating history, and the cultural heritage make this place much more than just a simple hamlet. If you want to spend a day dedicated to relaxation and discovering hidden treasures, Cereseto is the destination for you.
