Cassio
Cassio: the fraction of Terenzo near Parma
Cassio is a geographic fraction of the municipality of Terenzo, located in the province of Parma. It is only 5.10 km away from the capital, making it easily accessible to visitors of the city.
Devil's Leaps
One of the most famous places in Cassio is Devil's Leaps, which are outcroppings of sedimentary rocks. These rocks are mainly composed of granite, gneiss, porphyry, limestone, sandstone, and jasper. They are arranged in such a way as to form a series of spires that cut orthogonally through the Baganza Valley, connecting the villages of Cassio and Ravarano on the opposite slope. Legend has it that these rocks constitute the footprints left in remote times by the devil in flight, expelled by a hermit. These formations date back to the Cretaceous period and cover about 5 km of terrain.
Origin of the Name
The name Cassio seems to be associated with gens Cassia, assignee of lands in the area during Roman times.
History
The village of Cassio was inhabited during Roman times thanks to gens Cassia. Later, in the Middle Ages, the village was owned by the Counts of Cassio, who built a castle that has now disappeared. Subsequently, the fiefdom passed into the hands of the Rossi Counts of Parma and later the Pavesi of Pontremoli until the abolition of feudal rights decreed by Napoleon in 1805.
Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary
The main attraction of Cassio is the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. Built in the 12th century in Romanesque style, the church suffered serious damage during the bombings of World War II in 1944. It was then renovated in 1950 in the apse area and later restored between 1960 and 1970. In 2010, it was structurally consolidated, allowing visitors to admire the beautiful frescoes inside.
Cassio is a small fraction of Terenzo, but it is rich in history and natural and architectural attractions. If you visit Parma, do not miss the opportunity to visit the village of Cassio and admire the beauty of its Devil's Leaps and the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.
