Langhirano
Langhirano: the town of Parma ham
Langhirano is a charming town located in the province of Parma, Emilia-Romagna, known for its production of Parma ham, one of the most famous Italian gastronomic products in the world. The town hosts the Parma Ham Festival every year and also has a ham and salami museum. It is also the headquarters of the Eastern Parma Apennine Mountain Community.
The geography of the place
Langhirano is situated on a small hill on the left bank of the Parma stream, at the entrance of the Val Parma.
The roots of the name
There is still no definite theory about the origin of the name Langhirano. The majority of sources suggest that it derives from the Latin "langaria," meaning "long and narrow strip of land," referring to the position of the town along the Parma stream, but there are also other theories. The important thing is that Langhirano is a city with a long history and many attractions.
The history of the place
The presence of humans in the Langhirano area dates back to the Paleolithic era, approximately 130,000 BC. According to archaeologists, the first settlements were founded by the Terramaricoli between the 17th and 14th centuries BC, during the Bronze Age. In the Roman period, the area was centuriated, and some traces of this era can still be found today. Moreover, the remains of a Roman Villa have been discovered near Torrechiara.
The village of Lagorano, today called Langhirano, already existed in 1038, when it was first mentioned. Initially, it was a small village annexed to the nearby Mattaleto, which in turn depended on the Castrignano castle. Over time, Langhirano became an important center thanks to its geographic location at the entrance of the Val Parma, which allowed it to become the site of a weekly market. In the 13th century, the Mattaleto castle and the Municipal Palace were built in the center of Langhirano.
In 1376, Bishop Ugolino de' Rossi invested the great-nephew Rolando de' Rossi with the feudal rights of Castrignano, in recognition of the services rendered to his father Giacomo de' Rossi during the Parmesan episcopate.
Tourist attractions
The main attraction of Langhirano is the Parma Ham Festival, which takes place every year in September. The festival is an occasion to taste the famous ham accompanied by local wines and other gastronomic products. During the event, visitors can also participate in tastings and guided tours of the ham and salami museum.
The ham and salami museum is housed in an ancient aging cellar and offers visitors the opportunity to discover the history and tradition of Parma ham and local salami. The cellar, dating back to the 1600s, was restored and opened to the public in 2006. It is an unmissable stop for anyone who wants to learn more about local gastronomic products.
In Langhirano, there are also numerous artistic and cultural attractions. For example, the church of San Biagio dates back to the 13th century and is famous for its frescoes. The church of Santa Maria Assunta, on the other hand, houses a marble altar decorated with sculptures and mosaics.
What to do in Langhirano
Langhirano is an ideal place to enjoy local food and wine. In addition to Parma ham, the area is famous for Parmigiano Reggiano, Felino salami, and other salamis. It is not difficult to find restaurants and trattorias that serve local specialties.
For lovers of art and culture, there are also some activities to do in Langhirano. You can visit the churches and learn about the history of the town. Moreover, the surrounding area is ideal for excursions and nature walks.
Conclusions
Langhirano is a picturesque place, rich in history and culture, famous above all for its production of Parma ham. The Parma Ham Festival is an event not to be missed for those visiting the area, but Langhirano offers much more. With its churches and tourist attractions, it is an ideal place for a day trip or a relaxing nature vacation.
