The best walks and hikes around Fiorenzuola D'Arda

Fiorenzuola d'Arda is one of the main towns in the Arda Valley and has been an important crossing point between Emilia and Lombardy for centuries. The historic center preserves porticoed buildings, lively squares, and the Collegiate Church of San Fiorenzo, while the presence of the train station makes it an ideal starting point for cycling itineraries in the Piacenza plain.

This pedestrian and cycle bridge allows you to cross the Arda stream away from traffic, safely connecting the surrounding countryside with Fiorenzuola d'Arda. The bridge offers a panoramic view of the river and the Piacenza plain, with its green banks and typical agricultural landscapes.

Very simple and well maintained. Ideal for those who have little time. It runs along the Arda river for a few km. The river is not very large but the light and relaxing sound of the water accompanies you for almost the entire journey. If you don't make too much noise you can meet many squirrels.

Wonderful abbey - a former Cistercian monastery - A dove dropped pieces of wood, thus determining the size of the abbey. Hence the name Colomba = dove

is a city and comune in Italy in the province of Piacenza, part of the Emilia-Romagna region. The name derives from Florentia ("prosperous" in Latin). The "d'Arda" part refers to the Arda River, which flows from the Apennines into the valley where Fiorenzuola is located. The origins of Fiorenzuola are ancient, dating back to the first prehistoric human settlements in Italy. During the Middle Ages, Fiorenzuola d'Arda was one of the most important centers of the area. Under the Duchy of Parma and Piacenza, it was a "middle county," independent of both parties. Main attractions: Collegiate of San Fiorenzo Church of Beata Vergine di Caravaggio Oratorio of Beata Vergine Verdi Theatre Church of St. Francis

The former complex of the monastery and the church of San Giovanni, now completely restored and used as the headquarters of the municipality and the library (50,000 volumes) is an admirable example of the recovery and reuse of an extraordinary complex (which can be visited mornings, afternoons and on Sundays only by appointment). Part of it already existed in the fourteenth century, with a small church consecrated in 1451, built by the monastic order of the Humiliati, particularly powerful in these lands where, among other things, they were established customs officials and had dedicated an entire street to them (now Via Carducci).

Beautiful bridge over the Torenta Arda.

This was one of the most important Cistercian centers in Italy. The church was built around 1135 according to the wishes of Saint Bernard of Claivaux and the Pallavicino family. Of the abbey complex, the Romanesque church with 14th- and 15th-century frescoes and the beautiful cloister have been preserved. The old facade of the basilica is still visible in the upper part, behind the 14th-century porch. The church consists of three naves with a transept following the classical plan of the primitive churches of the Cistercian order. The southern part of the transept has a beautiful staircase, which provides access to the monks' dormitory.