Varano De' Melegari between the castle, Ceno Valley and racetrack

Castello Pallavicino and its buildings

Castello Pallavicino is an outstanding example of medieval defensive architecture. It stands on a sandstone rock in a strategic position for controlling the Ceno Valley. Castello Pallavicino, also known as Rocca Pallavicino, can be traced back to 1087; it was first mentioned in the Cronaca Pallavicina in that year. The Chiesa del castello is a 13th-century chapel. Its original structure is now integrated into the castle's guard building. Beside the road on the southeastern side of the Rocca lies the Antica prigione, a hexagonal tower that served as a prison.

Sacred sites in Varano and the surrounding area

You will also find notable buildings outside the castle. The Chiesa di San Martino is a point of interest in Varano De' Melegari. In the surrounding area is the Serravalle Baptistery, an octagonal Romanesque building from the 9th century. Also nearby is the Pieve di San Lorenzo in Serravalle. The first records of it date from 1005; at the same time, it is considered one of the oldest parish churches in the Province of Parma. In Viazzano, Casa Valenti features a sandstone portal with a flat round arch.

Hills, walking trails and panoramic routes

The hills around the Ceno can be explored on walks, cycling tours, mountain-bike and e-bike rides, as well as on panoramic routes. A specific footpath to Big Bench #BB403 begins behind the cemetery of Varano De' Melegari, leads towards Castagnola and then climbs along an unpaved road. If you plan to take this footpath, allow for an uphill route and an unpaved surface.

Motorsport as a distinct aspect of the trip

The racetrack is 2,350 metres long in its racing configuration and is homologated by the FIA, CSAI and FMI.

Getting there and choosing the location of your accommodation

For travel by car, the A15 Parma–La Spezia is the main connection; at the Fornovo di Taro exit, follow the road through the Val Ceno to Varano De' Melegari. For train travel, Fornovo di Taro on the Parma–La Spezia line is considered the most convenient station; from there, local connections are available towards Varano De' Melegari. When choosing a hotel, you can weigh its location according to your priorities: historic buildings, the route to Big Bench, the hilly landscape or the racetrack. This keeps your accommodation choice aligned with the planned focus of your trip without reducing the town to a single experience.

Other places for orientation

Bedonia, Calestano, Tabiano Castello, Busseto, Noceto, San Polo, Orzale and Medesano.

For the higher-level travel overview: Parma.