Val d’Arda is the valley that occupies the eastern part of Piacenza’s territory, which borders the province of Parma. It includes the Arda, Ongina, Stirone, Chero and Chiavenna streams.

It stretches from the Po to the Apennines, with gorgeous river landscapes, rolling hills covered in vineyards, evocative hilly erosions in nature parks, Roman ruins, medieval villages, Renaissance towns and abbeys.

From Gropparello, immersed in Val Vezzeno with its castle, a splendid example of medieval fortification art, we arrive at Veleia Romana, an ancient Roman town of small dimensions and one of the most important testimonies of that era in northern Italy, located in the municipality of Lugagnano Val d’Arda, particularly rich in history and interesting for its geological formations of the Piacenziano Age. 

From Lugagnano Val d’Arda we reach Valchiavenna, a beautiful and lush agricultural valley, where we find the Torricella, a splendidly restored ancient manor house with a wine shop selling local wines and a starting point for interesting walks and excursions. Passing through Castell’Arquato, a historical medieval village, we reach Vernasca, on the ridge between the Arda and Ongina rivers, with the bell tower and apse of the Romanesque parish church of San Colombano.

Not far away, the spectacular medieval village of Vigoleno stands tall in the valley of the Stirone Regional Park. The stunning landscape, characterized by rolling vineyards and breathtaking views, will leave you spellbound.

In Alta Val d’Arda, don’t miss out on Morfasso, a fascinating gateway to the Apennines. This historic town is a treasure trove of natural beauty and geological wonders.