Gazzola on the Trebbia: Castles, Wine and Trails

Gazzola between River, Wine and Castles

Gazzola lies on the western bank of the Trebbia River and combines a historic setting with regional wine, nature and various ways to explore the landscape. The Ciclovia del Trebbia passes through the area on the route from Piacenza to Castello di Rivalta and onward to Castello di Statto. Gazzola is also located along the wine and food route Strada dei Vini e dei Sapori dei Colli Piacentini and the riding route Andando per castelli. If you plan your trip around your interests, culture, food and wine, and routes through the Val Trebbia therefore come together here.

Medieval Villages and Churches

The medieval Borgo di Rivalta includes buildings dating from the 13th to the 17th century. The visit begins at the Oratorio della Madonna del Ponte, an octagonal building that developed from a medieval bridge tower. The Borgo di Rivalta is closed to traffic; parking spaces for cars and coaches are available next to the village. Another historic focal point is Castello di Momeliano. It was built around the middle of the 14th century and altered several times through the Renaissance. Castello di Rezzanello has a trapezoidal floor plan, four towers projecting from the corners and a large courtyard.

The sights of Gazzola include the Chiesa di S. Lorenzo. The Chiesa di San Martino was rebuilt in the 14th century in the Lombard-Romanesque style and was first documented in 1037. Admission is free, and the church is also open during the day. This makes it easy to combine a visit to historic buildings with an independent exploration of the local culture.

Museums and Traces of History

The Museo di Rivalta includes Japanese armour as well as banners and small flags from the Battle of Lepanto on 7 October 1571. The same museum also displays weapons and armour from the 15th to the 17th century. A much older historical connection is commemorated at the Monumento all’elefante, recalling the Battle of the Trebbia in 218 BC, in which Hannibal Barca defeated the Roman troops. Gazzola is therefore particularly suitable for you if historic sites, architecture and specific objects from different periods are among your travel interests.

Wine and Piacentine Cuisine

Luretta is a winery with its own vineyards in the surroundings of Castello di Momeliano in Gazzola. At Castello di Momeliano, Luretta offers a classic wine experience with a cellar tour and a tasting of four classic Luretta wines. The experience Il gusto della sera combines a guided tour of the cellars at Castello di Momeliano, a tasting of four wines and a dinner with a Piacentine menu and wine pairing at the Al Contesse restaurant. During a journey through the Colli Piacentini, you can combine cultural activities and regional culinary experiences without losing sight of the character of the surroundings.

River Landscape, Forest and Golf

In the wider regional area, the Parco Regionale Fluviale del Trebbia protects around 30 kilometres of the Trebbia River. Its extensive gravel riverbanks are of considerable importance for migratory birds. The Boschi di Croara form a thousand-year-old deciduous forest on the first hills of the Val Trebbia. In addition, the Croara Golf Country Club is located at Località Croara Nuova di Gazzola, 29010 Gazzola (Piacenza). If you are comparing locations for accommodation with culture, wine and different landscape themes, Gazzola offers a clearly recognisable regional character.

Other Places in the Same Region

For further orientation, you can also visit Oneto, Cortemaggiore, Monticelli D'ongina, Ziano Piacentino, Rodi, Bettola, Castel San Giovanni and Podenzano.

For the higher-level travel overview: Piacenza.