Borgotaro is considered the capital of the Alta Val Taro. Located in the province of Parma, in theEmilia Romagna, the common, also known as Borgo Val di Taro, is part of a very interesting natural environment. Famous also on the cultural and gastronomic level, the village enjoys a particular geographical position. Its territory almost straddles three regions: Emilia, Tuscany and Liguria, whose borders extend along the ridges that delimit the valley. During the Second World War it was the scene of numerous episodes related to the War of Resistance. In 1985 the banner of the municipality of Borgo Val di Taro was decorated with the Gold Medal for military valor.
Ancient Turris
Before being called Borgotaro, the town was called Turris, which was a Byzantine military creation located in a different location than the current one. Later it became Borgo Torresana. Of the ancient Turris there are still important visible signs in the town planning and architecture of the territory. An example of this is the Romanesque church of San Cristoforo in San Pietro. In 1226, the first stone of the church of Sant'Antonino was laid in Borgotaro. Around it rose what is today the inhabited area.
The castle
The central part of Borgotaro is characterized by the remains of an ancient castle, as well as by Romanesque churches and historic buildings. Among the latter, they are to be counted Tardian Palace, which was the seat of the former old hospital, and Boveri Palace, where, in 1714, the Queen of Spain resided Elisabetta Farnese. Today, only a few traces remain of the ancient castle, represented by a part of the walls. These are concomitant with the oratory of the church of Sant'Antonino and with the rear Museum of the Walls. Of the towers originally built around it, only one was unearthed a few years ago.
The churches of Sant'Antonino and San Domenico
One of the most beautiful places of worship in Borgotaro is the church of Sant'Antonino, in the shape of a Latin cross. Originally with three naves, it was rebuilt in 1500 and consecrated much later, in 1667. It preserves works of great artistic value. Examples are: the organ, a 600th century Serassi; a canvas from the second half of the 600th century, depicting the Annunciation; a wooden crucifix made between the 700th and XNUMXth centuries.
Another church to visit is the one dedicated to San Domenico, dating back to the 1674th century, together with the adjoining convent. With three stone naves and Gothic arches, it was restored in XNUMX and before the Second World War. Inside, among the most valuable works, you can admire a carved and gilded wooden statue of the Our Lady of the Rosary (XNUMXth century), and the canvas of the "Massacre of the Innocents", attributed to a Genoese workshop.
The Mushroom Festival
Borgotaro is also famous for mushrooms. In particular, the boletus, which carries the IGP mark, is the undisputed protagonist of local gastronomy. The porcino, in the autumn period, attracts many tourists who come here to participate in the many events organized to promote this delicious product. The most awaited event is the Mushroom Festival, which takes place annually on the third and fourth weekend of September. Among the culinary specialties there is also the herb pie, a characteristic savory pie with herbs.
High quality of life
Borgotaro is also very popular in spring and summer due to the naturalistic beauties it enjoys. Because of this, the municipality has obtained the ISO 14001 environmental certification and has entered the Cittàslow circuit, which unites all the small towns where the quality of life is optimal. For all these peculiar characteristics, combined with culture and history, this village certainly deserves to be visited.
(Photo: Municipality of Borgotaro website; Borgotaro mushroom fair; Municipality of Borgo Val di Taro Facebook pages)
