Bedonia: Apennine Landscape, Churches and Culture

Bedonia is located in the Parma Apennines, in a green hollow at the foot of Monte Pelpi. The mountain is approximately 1,480 m high.

Landscape and Getting There

By car, you can reach Bedonia from the Borgo Val di Taro exit on the A15 Parma–La Spezia motorway. From there, the approximately 30 km route continues in the direction of Borgotaro–Bedonia–Chiavari. Borgo Val di Taro railway station is on the Parma–La Spezia line and is approximately 15 km from Bedonia. When planning your journey, the approximately 30 road kilometres from the motorway exit and the approximately 15 kilometres from the railway station should be considered as separate route sections.

Historic Centre and Basilica

The historic centre is structured around three main axes that converge on a parish church of medieval origin. Its present form dates from the first half of the 17th century. The upper church of the Basilica has a dome, a Latin-cross floor plan and side chapels. In 1978, the Basilica was elevated to the status of a minor basilica.

Art, Archaeology and Historical Evidence

In the Parco della Peschiera, you can see the entrance arch of the former Silva estate, dating from the 18th century. The historic centre of Bedonia and the Parco della Peschiera also feature sculptures from the international symposiums for Carniglia sandstone. Carniglia sandstone refers here to the material to which these sculpture symposiums are dedicated. The Archaeological Museum displays finds from the Rocche di Drusco, Bronze Age settlements of the Proto-Ligurians. The Pinacoteca Parmigiani exhibits 34 of the approximately 80 historic paintings preserved by the Bedonia seminary.

Festivals and Stargazing

The solemn annual festival of the Madonna di San Marco is celebrated on the second Sunday in July. The planetarium can be used at any time upon request. In summer, there are public evenings; after reservation, stargazing sessions are available at Passo della Cappelletta. Anyone planning to take part in stargazing at Passo della Cappelletta should make a reservation for it.

Hiking, Mushroom Trails and Mountain Passes

The Sorgente di Pescarone trail near Bedonia is an easy hike through woodland and cool surroundings, passing small water spots. Bedonia is also located on the Strada del Fungo Porcino. From Bedonia, winding roads with views of the Parma hills lead to the Cento Croci, del Bocco and del Tomarlo passes on the border between Emilia and Liguria. The route to the passes combines winding roads with views of the Parma hills.

Fiera del Prugnolo in Bedonia

The Fiera del Prugnolo di Bedonia includes guided excursions to search for the prugnolo mushroom and themed catering featuring prugnolo. At the Fiera, both the excursions and the catering are part of the prugnolo theme.

More Places for Your Travel Planning

Sanguigna, Formiano, Vignale, Varsi, Berceto, Monchio Delle Corti, Sala Baganza, Fontanellato

To the higher-level travel overview: Parma.