Monchio delle Corti
A Journey of Discovery in Monchio delle Corti
Monchio delle Corti, or simply Monc, is a small Italian town located in the province of Parma, Emilia-Romagna. With a population of only 840 inhabitants, Monc is a peaceful place, perfect for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of cities and spend some time in a relaxing and tranquil environment. The town is part of the Parco dei Cento Laghi and is located at 820 meters above sea level, in a large basin of the Cedra Valley.
A Bit of History
The origin of the toponym Monchio probably derives from the late Latin "mont(u)lus", meaning "mountain". Already during the medieval period, Monc was known as the capital of the thirteen courts, which correspond to the current fractions of the municipality. Moreover, the territory of Monc was crossed by the ancient Strada delle cento miglia, the Roman road that connected the cities of Parma and Lucca.
During the liberation war, Monchio delle Corti distinguished itself for the sacrifices of its people and for the activity in the partisan struggle. For these reasons, the town was awarded the War Cross for military valor.
Monuments and Places of Interest
One of the most interesting places in Monchio delle Corti is the Church of Saints Lorenzo and Michele. The building was erected in the medieval period, and one of the first mentions dates back to 1230. The church was destroyed by a landslide in the early 15th century and rebuilt starting from 1411, with a solemn consecration in 1536. In 1638, the church was deeply modified, turning over the initial orientation. The interior of the church is decorated with frescoes on the vaults and houses various works of art, including paintings depicting the 'Baptism of Christ' and the 'Lamentation over the Dead Christ,' various statues, ancient sacred vestments, a small sandstone capital dating back to the 12th or 13th century used as a crossbearer, and a Venetian incunabulum of 1546.
The Nature of Monchio delle Corti
But Monchio delle Corti is not just history and culture. The town also includes a vast natural area that extends over the Apennine ridge that marks the border with Tuscany. Among the highest peaks of the Parma Apennines, there is Monte Sillara, which with its 1861 meters, is the highest mountain in the entire province. The area offers hiking trails for all levels, and during the summer period, you can organize hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking trips.
Events and Traditions
The municipality of Monchio delle Corti also offers a calendar of events and traditions not to be missed, such as the Mercatino rionale, which is held every second Saturday of the month and the Palio degli asini, a donkey race held every year on August 15th.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Monchio delle Corti is a place worth visiting if you want to spend time immersed in nature and history. With its culture, nature, and tranquility, Monc is an ideal destination for those looking for a break from the hectic life of the city. And if you are passionate about hiking, Monchio delle Corti is the perfect place for you.
