Discover Ravarano: Castles, Rock Spires and Trails in the Val Baganza
Accommodation in Ravarano
Ravarano brings together historic buildings, distinctive rock formations and a trail that connects the opposite slopes of the Val Baganza. For an individual trip to Italy, this creates a multifaceted picture: you can explore medieval history, observe distinctive features of the landscape and understand the surrounding area through specific references to trails and places.
File:Castello (Ravarano, Calestano) - lato sud-est 1 2022-05-19.jpg
Photo: Parma1983 via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
History between the church and the castle
The Chiesa di San Bartolomeo Apostolo was first mentioned in 1230. The former building was destroyed by a landslide in 1589. The documented history of this structure therefore extends from a medieval mention to a momentous event in the 16th century. Those interested in historical developments will find not an abstract period here, but two clearly identifiable points of reference.
The Castello di Ravarano dates from the late 13th century. Castello Pallavicino and Castello di Roccalanzona are also located in the immediate vicinity of Ravarano; both are castles. Castello di Torrechiara is a castle in the wider regional surroundings of Ravarano. These different spatial references help you consider historical destinations separately when planning, according to whether they are in the immediate vicinity or the wider regional area.
The Via degli Scalpellini in the Val Baganza
The Via degli Scalpellini bears the CAI trail number 771. Its route connects the opposite slopes of the Val Baganza and crosses the Torrente Baganza. The slopes, valley and watercourse thus appear as interconnected elements of the landscape, without the trail having to be reduced to a single attraction. This combination is particularly interesting if, when planning your trip, not only a single viewpoint but also the spatial structure of a landscape plays a role.
In Chiastre di Ravarano, there is a nature walk offering views of the Salti del Diavolo. This walk complements the trail-related aspect of the Via degli Scalpellini with an opportunity to observe the landscape. You therefore have two different perspectives on the Val Baganza: one through the route between the slopes and the other through views of a distinctive rock formation.
Rock spires and a designated landscape
The Salti del Diavolo are an impressive series of conglomerate- and sandstone-like rock spires. Their unusual shape represents an independent natural aspect alongside the historic buildings and trails. The Salti del Diavolo geosite lies within a larger area designated as a landscape of significant public interest under D.G.R. 258/2016. The rock formation can therefore be considered both as a distinctive landscape feature and in the context of a larger designated landscape.
Ravarano therefore offers several clearly distinguishable approaches when choosing the content of your trip. Those interested in history can focus on the Chiesa di San Bartolomeo Apostolo and the castles in the immediate and wider surroundings. Nature enthusiasts will find specific topics for exploring the Val Baganza in the Salti del Diavolo, the nature walk in Chiastre di Ravarano and the Via degli Scalpellini. The combination of dates, buildings, trail route and rock formations also makes the area interesting for travelers who do not wish to consider culture and landscape separately.
Other destinations in the area
Vicomero, Salsomaggiore Terme, Formiano, San Polo, Fontanelle, Bore, Fontevivo, Polesine Parmense
To the main travel overview: Parma.
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