Casali
Welcome to Casali: diving into nature and history
Hello everyone! Today I'm going to talk about Casali, a charming hamlet of Morfasso, in the province of Piacenza. If you are nature and history lovers, this place is definitely for you. Come with me and let's discover it together!
Physical geography
Located on the slopes of Mount Carameto, Casali is located at an altitude of 875 meters on the right bank of the Arda stream, not far from the border with the province of Parma. About 15 kilometers from the municipal capital, this hamlet is formed by three inhabited nuclei: Ca' del Rajo, Poggiolo, and Le Corti. The neighboring hamlets are Case Nuove, Barbonaga, Pianazzo di Casali, and Passo del Pellizzone.
The surrounding territory is characterized by enchanting landscapes and offers numerous trails for hiking, mountain biking, and motocross. Among the most famous routes, I recommend the Anello dei Casali and the Rocca dei Casali, both starting from the village church. In addition, you can tackle the ridge path of the valley, the AVC path, and the one dedicated to the Piacenza resistance. Don't miss the museum dedicated to it.
History
Casali is a place of ancient origins, as evidenced by the archaeological campaigns of the 20th century that unearthed remains of fortifications, arrow tips, and burials related to the Ligurians, the ancient people who inhabited these areas before the Roman conquest.
However, the first historical sources date back only to the 16th century when the Casali nucleus and its inhabitants are mentioned. According to popular tradition, the foundation of the village was carried out by three brigand brothers who fled from Bologna.
The village remained isolated for centuries until in the 19th century, the government of Maria Luisa of Habsburg-Lorraine had the road to Genoa built, which crossed Casali, breaking the isolation of the village. At the time, the economy of Casali was based mainly on family-level agriculture and breeding.
Over the centuries, the population of the village grew until it reached the current 600 inhabitants. This allowed the church of Santa Maria to become an independent parish in 1914.
A place to visit
If you decide to visit Casali, you will not regret it. This hamlet will surprise you with its natural beauty and its millenary history. Don't forget to hike on the numerous trails that cross the area and visit the Rocca dei Casali and the museum of the Piacenza resistance.
In addition, you can attend events such as the patronal feast of Santa Maria, which takes place every year, or the crescentina festival, an opportunity to taste local specialties.
Are you ready for a trip to Casali? Don't tell me I didn't warn you: once you have discovered this place, you won't be able to do without it!
