Villanova sull'Arda
Welcome to Villanova sull'Arda: the land of cherries and Giuseppe Verdi
If you're looking for a peaceful and picturesque place to spend a few days of relaxation, Villanova sull'Arda could be the perfect destination for you. Located in the province of Piacenza, in Emilia-Romagna, this town of about 1670 inhabitants is famous for its cherry production and for Villa Verdi, where the famous composer Giuseppe Verdi lived with his partner and second wife Giuseppina Strepponi.
Society
Demographic evolution
The town of Villanova sull'Arda has a long history, and its population has steadily grown over the years. According to official data, in the 1950s the population was about 1300 inhabitants, while today we are close to 1700. The town continues to attract new residents thanks to the beauty of the landscape and the pleasantness of provincial life.
Infrastructure and transport
If you decide to visit Villanova sull'Arda, you can easily reach it by train: Villanova d'Arda station is located on the Cremona-Fidenza railway line and is served by Trenitalia regional trains. The station was inaugurated in 1906, and since 1912 it has been managed by Ferrovie dello Stato. Thanks to its favorable location, Villanova sull'Arda is also a strategic connection point for those who want to reach other surrounding locations.
Administration
The Municipality of Villanova sull'Arda has been governed by various administrations over the years. Today, the entity is led by Mayor Luca Salvagni, who works hard to ensure that citizens have the services they need.
Isola Giarola River Park
Among the most beautiful natural attractions of Villanova sull'Arda, the Isola Giarola River Park certainly deserves a visit. Located in the alluvial stretch of the Po River, this park was created to redevelop the area after intense sand extraction activity. Today, it is an ideal place for walking in nature and enjoying tranquility.
Festivals
If you want to discover the flavors of local tradition, don't miss the festivals organized in Villanova sull'Arda. In particular, we recommend that you participate in the "Cherry Festival", which takes place in the second week of June. During this period, the town welcomes visitors with numerous stalls of fresh cherry-based products and a series of events and shows. Also, don't miss the "Sagra of frogs and catfish", organized on the last Sunday of May in the Soarza hamlet: you can taste typical local cuisine and have fun with the proposed activities.
Sports Associations
Villanova sull'Arda also offers many opportunities for sports lovers. The Pro Villanova Basketball team compete in the First Division FIP championship and are highly followed by the local community. Furthermore, since 2014, a football team has been present that is part of the Piacenza amateur championship and represents the Pro Villanova Sports Association.
Conclusions
In summary, Villanova sull'Arda is a charming place, where nature is still unspoiled, and life flows peacefully. Here you can participate in traditional festivals, visit natural attractions of great beauty, and enjoy sports in company. And if you want to deepen your knowledge of Giuseppe Verdi and his work, you can visit Villa Verdi and immerse yourself in the history and culture of this enchanting town.
