Santa Maria del Taro
Welcome to Santa Maria del Taro
Hello everyone! Today I want to talk to you about Santa Maria del Taro, a beautiful hamlet in the municipality of Tornolo, in the province of Parma. This locality is located only 11.99 km from the capital city and represents the closest inhabited area to the Ligurian Sea in Emilia-Romagna.
Physical geography
Santa Maria del Taro is located in the valley of the Taro River, where it meets the Tarola stream. We are in the heart of the Ligurian Apennines, surrounded by impressive peaks such as Monte Nero, Monte Penna, and Rocca della Scaletta. Those who love nature will appreciate this place, full of woods and waterfalls, with a few flat areas where the land is cultivated.
History
The origins of Santa Maria del Taro date back to the 8th century, when a group of monks from the Abbey of San Colombano di Bobbio founded a convent in this area. Initially, the jurisdiction over the convent belonged to the Abbey of Borzone, but then control passed to the Ravaschieri family and then to the Counts Landi of Compiano, who disputed the territory for a long time. Finally, in 1682, the Landi State was sold to the Duke of Parma and was annexed to the Duchy of Parma and Piacenza.
Copper mines
In 1853, Duke Carlo III of Parma entrusted the Emiliano slope of Monte Penna to the English Baron Thomas Ward, who exploited the copper mines and the timber from the forests. The entrepreneur also planned to build a railway to connect the area to Piacenza, but after the duke's death, the concessions were withdrawn.
Dialect and cuisine
Why is Santa Maria del Taro so different from other localities in Emilia-Romagna? The answer lies in the Ligurian influences that have mixed with the local culture. The dialect spoken in this area, for example, is very similar to that heard in Liguria. Even the cuisine is different from that of neighboring areas: those who come here cannot miss the opportunity to taste dishes such as Genovese pesto, farinata, and panigacci, among others.
The Sanctuary of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary
I cannot end my article without talking about the Sanctuary of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary. As the name itself suggests, this sacred place is dedicated to the birth of the Virgin Mary and was built during the period when the monks arrived in this area. The building is very beautiful and it is worth visiting to admire the frescoes and the bell tower.
I hope to have introduced you to this splendid location a little better. If you are looking for a place immersed in nature, where you can eat well and breathe an air of spirituality, you should come to Santa Maria del Taro. You won't regret it!
