Discover Vernasca: Churches, Trails and Regional Culture

Romanesque Heritage and Historic Places

The Antica Pieve di Vernasca stands above the town in a panoramic location overlooking the Val d’Arda. It preserves the bell tower and apse of a Romanesque church dating from the 12th century. The former parish residence next to the Pieve houses the Centro Visita Provinciale della Via Francigena.

Older architectural and religious testimonies can also be found in the surrounding area. The first church of Sant'Andrea in Castelletto Val di Tolla was built in 1167 by Alberto, the abbot of the monastery of San Salvatore di Val Tolla. The apse of the Pieve di San Giorgio contains a 15th-century fresco depicting Saint George killing the dragon. The Pieve di San Giorgio in Vigoleno is a Romanesque church built in the 12th century.

Vigoleno itself is a fortified village enclosed by intact battlemented walls and featuring a patrol walkway with panoramic views. The military section of the Castello di Vigoleno includes the keep, the patrol walkway and the southern tower; this area can be visited independently. A complete tour of the village, Pieve and piano nobile of the castle is offered only on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. The Castello also contains the Teatrino Ruspoli Gramont, a historic theatre with 12 seats that is now one of the historic theatres of Emilia-Romagna.

Circular Routes, Forest Trails and Nature

For a hike starting directly in Vernasca, the A17 Anello dei Briganti circular route begins in the town’s main square. After approximately 12.5 km, the Anello dei Briganti reaches the medieval village of Vigoleno. The complete circular route returns to Vernasca after approximately 21 km. The different distances help you choose a suitable stage for your day’s itinerary.

Around Lago di Mignano, winding roads and forest trails lead to small settlements in the surrounding area; they are associated with hiking, cycling and motorcycling. The Parco dello Stirone e del Piacenziano can be explored on foot and by bicycle and offers trails for everyone. The Natura 2000 site IT4020003 Torrente Stirone includes Vernasca within the relevant area of the Province of Piacenza.

Archives and Historic Route Connections

The Archivio Fotografico Vernasca documents everyday life, work, traditions and the changing landscapes of Vernasca and its districts. You can search the archive by place, date, subject and theme. This makes it possible to explore local history and changes in the landscape through specific photographic subjects.

In the Val d’Arda, the section of the Via dei Monasteri Regi ran from Fiorenzuola along the Arda through Castell’Arquato, Lugagnano, Rio Martino and Mignano in the Vernasca area to the Abbey of Tolla. This historic route connection adds another regional context to the religious heritage around Vernasca and the Via Francigena.

Chestnuts and Events

Regional cuisine includes the “bionda di Vezzolacca” chestnut, which is recognised by the Emilia-Romagna Region as a traditional agri-food product (PAT). The Festa delle Castagne in Vezzolacca takes place every year on the last Sunday in September and offers the opportunity to taste the local chestnut.

Another aspect of the area is shown by the Vernasca Silver Flag. It is a historic event for competition classic cars; the vehicles drive the course three times. The event takes place every year around mid-June on the road between Castell’Arquato and Vernasca.

Practical Orientation on Site

The Welcome Room at Casa Tanzi provides brochures, maps and multimedia tourist information. If you would like to organise your stay around culture, outdoor activities, landscapes or regional events, Vernasca offers a range of corresponding points of interest: from Romanesque churches and Vigoleno to circular routes and natural areas, as well as chestnut culture and a historic motoring event.

Other Places in the Same Region

For further orientation: Nibbiano, Rodi, Gragnano Trebbiense, Roveleto, Caminata, Agazzano, Castel San Giovanni, Alseno

For the higher-level travel overview: Piacenza.