Fornovo di Taro
Welcome to Fornovo di Taro
Are you ready to explore the Municipality of Fornovo di Taro? We are happy to be your guide on this journey through the geography and history of this picturesque town.
An Overview of the Physical Geography
Territory
Fornovo di Taro is situated on the hills of the low valley of the Taro River and covers an area of 57.65 square kilometers. The hills range from the lowest elevations of 124 meters above sea level to the highest of 736 meters above sea level.
The Taro River is one of the most significant rivers that runs through the province of Parma and can be seen flowing through the municipality of Fornovo di Taro.
Climate
The climate of Fornovo di Taro falls within the "E" climate zone. According to the Köppen climate classification, this area of northern Italy falls under the warm-temperate climates.
Precipitation is frequent and abundant, and the average annual temperature is around 15 °C. It may rain even in summer, with an additional dryer month compared to the rest of the year.
The History of Fornovo di Taro
The Battle of Fornovo
In 1495, on the plain of Fornovo di Taro, the famous Battle of Fornovo took place between the anti-French coalition armies and the French troops of Charles VIII. It was a significant battle that ended with the victory of the coalition.
A medal by the medallist Lo Sperandio depicting the victory of Fornovo was issued to commemorate the event, with the proud inscription "Ob Restitutam Italiae Libertatem."
The Oil Industry
At the beginning of the 20th century, in 1905, the Italian Petroleum Company (S.P.I.) was established, and Fornovo di Taro became the center of Italian oil production.
In the 1930s, 80% of the national demand for oil was produced and processed in Fornovo. In 1912, refining plants were built, becoming an important industrial resource during World War II.
The Resistance and the Hero of Fornovo
During World War II, Fornovo was occupied by the Nazis, who destroyed much of the country's oil refinery. The magistrate of Fornovo, Pellegrino Riccardi, hid and protected four members of Rolando Vigevani's Jewish family from deportation.
Riccardi also found places of refuge, produced false identity documents, and organized the escape to Switzerland for other persecuted Jews.
Later, he provided refuge and procured false documents for other persecuted Jews. Riccardi was then awarded the title of Righteous Among the Nations by Yad Vashem Center in Jerusalem, the highest recognition that can be given to non-Jews who saved human lives during the Holocaust.
Conclusion
Fornovo di Taro is a municipality with a long history and a remarkable natural and industrial heritage. Its geographic location makes it a very important oil production center, and its fight for freedom during World War II is an example of courage and altruism. Fornovo di Taro is a city worth visiting, with breathtaking views and a memorable history.
