Lugagnano Val D'arda: Veleia, Monte Giogo and Local Trails

Lugagnano Val d'Arda can be discovered through distinct contrasts: historic buildings stand alongside fossil outcrops, while trails, viewpoints and local highlights offer different ways to experience the landscape. La Torricella is a rural farm complex in the village of Torricella in Lugagnano Val d’Arda and comprises a palace, a tower and a rustic outbuilding.

Cultural History Around Veleia

In Veleia, the isolated and repeatedly rebuilt Pieve di S. Antonino stands on a natural elevation south of the forum; it has been documented since the 9th century. Research into Veleia was initiated in 1760 by the Duke of Parma, Don Filippo di Borbone, after the Tabula alimentaria traianea was accidentally discovered in 1747.

Geology and Landscape at Monte Giogo

The Calanchi di Monte Giogo e affioramenti di Monte Padova e Monte Falcone geosite features fossil outcrops in Pliocene rocks that comprise the historical stratotype profile of the Piacenzian. The regional park area of Parco Regionale dello Stirone e del Piacenziano is also home to Big Bench No. 413.

The Monte Giogo amphitheatre is an imposing wall carved into Pliocene marine sediments, with narrow, dry clay ridges and deep, densely wooded ravines. The trail on Monte Giogo offers views across the entire Po Valley; on clear days, Piacenza and the Alps can be seen.

The Rio Carbonaro valley features alder stands and hygrophilous vegetation including sedges, rushes, reeds or grasses, and horsetails.

Plan Hiking and Cycling

For planning your schedule, two routes have clearly specified durations: the Trail of Monte Giogo hiking trail in Lugagnano Val d’Arda takes approximately 3 hours to walk, while the Rio Carbonaro Path hiking trail in Lugagnano Val d’Arda takes approximately 2 hours. The different time frames make it easier to compare the two routes.

The Marcia delle Terre Veleiate has been documented since 2013 as a non-competitive amateur leisure hike and is open to everyone interested. The event offers three routes of 6, 12 and 18 km, which start and finish beside the archaeological excavations of Veleia Romana.

An e-bike rental service has been established at the Torricella visitor centre in the village of Torricella, Chiavenna Rocchetta, with 10 trekking e-bikes, safety helmets, charging and maintenance stations, as well as information boards about the area and the Parchi e Castelli del Ducato cycle route. E-bikes at Torricella can only be collected and returned by prior reservation made at least 24 hours in advance.

Events and Local Specialty

The 58th Infiorata was held at the church of S. Antonino in Veleia Romana, featuring a traditional floral carpet as well as music, culture and good food. Ciambelline di Lugagnano are considered a local specialty and are typically paired with Malvasia.

Other Places for Orientation

Other places for orientation include San Nazzaro, San Nicolò, Larzano-castello, Nibbiano, Piacenza, Roveleto, Croce and Rodi.

To the main travel overview: Piacenza.