A lively and welcoming countryside that of the Piacentini Hills, one hour from Milan, where you can spend a relaxing weekend and try the local gastronomy.
I had never been there, if not in passing, in Piacenza hills, already well known to the Milanese who from time to time spend their hours of freedom from the chaos of the city there, and I discovered that they are an excellent destination for a weekend in nature, in one of the lands with a rich culinary culture and with appreciable historical elements -cultural not to be missed.
A little more than one hour from Milan I found a lively and engaging campaign and I say it with the enthusiasm of someone who rediscovers something already known and, for this very reason, too often underestimated. I, who live there in a countryside area 40 minutes from Milan, found the right size for a weekend of relaxation a short distance from home, and I have to thank my friends who were able to show me the part of the medal hidden from me, but well known to them from Milan, the one made up of several elements to form a harmonious situation.
Il value of tranquility, the pleasure of discovering unexpected views offered by the hilly roads, the ability to be surprised by people who open up spontaneously and tell curious stories, the ability to find interesting and unusual places where there seems to be nothing but rich and well-disposed nature .
And it is precisely nature that gives the best raw materials to man who, on these hills, has the ability to transform them into divine foods and drinks such as culatello and culaccia, salami Piacentino and coppa, cured meats that I probably would not know adequately describe if not communicating the great satisfaction they give to the palate and the resulting invitation to commit continuous sins of gluttony by accompanying them to fried pizza (linguistic localization of the most famous fried gnocco). An appetizer that finds its maximum expression and completeness with a glass of wine that is as red as the Gutturnio or white likeOrtrugo or Malvasia and many, many chatter.
I suggest a place to taste the best meats and cheeses that are served directly inside or under the outdoor pergola of a gastronomy in Castell'Arquato: the Locanda del Verro.
Whether you choose to take a break while visiting the village perched on the hill, whether you go for an aperitif at midday or in the late afternoon, you will always be welcome here. The owners will tell you anecdotes related to the culinary tradition, enrich your senses with typical Piacenza sounding words and make you feel a full part of this Emilian land.
The village deserves to dedicate a half day to it: the stairway uphill, the pedestrian alleys, the squares, the main square and the garden adjacent to the tower are all well kept, with an elegance that recalls the past, and can be visited for free; a different thing is for the tower whose entrance costs a few euros and allows you to climb to the highest point of the hill from which to enjoy a vast view.
Another small village of incredible uniqueness is the medieval one that rises around the Castle of Vigoleno. It is isolated on the hills, you can get there after a good half hour of steep climbs, hairpin bends that were not even the Alps, new houses and pastures as far as the eye can see. The road climbs narrowly, but it soon becomes clear that nothing prevents tourists, cyclists and excellent hikers from getting there, no deterrent to so much beauty. The square that opens in front of the only access to the castle is of recent construction and illustrates the history of the fortified village and its importance for pilgrims heading to Rome, as a place along the Via Francigena. Here a fountain, benches and the map of the path help to orientate along the long road. Cozy.
After the threshold, elegance and order are the masters. The ancient tower can be visited, while the castle has become a luxury residence and hotel; continuing in the square a small shop made us capitulate between tastings of Strolghino salami e Grana Padano cheese: food purchases here are a must. Inside, a shelving full of honeys, preserves, fruit in syrup, organic juices, grappas, certified liqueurs, sweets in gift boxes will captivate you, but don't stop here: in the basement it is possible to have a wine tasting in the small cellar.
The village can be visited in a short time; relevant is the presence of a mechanical nativity scene in operation during the Christmas period.
Last but certainly not for charm is the small town of fontanellato, already in the province of Parma by geographical formality. Its pearl? A fort still surrounded by a ditch perfectly intact and flooded with water, inside which it is easy to imagine pikes and swords buried in the mud. A stone bridge allows access to the fort, whose interiors and gardens can only be visited if accompanied by a guide.
There are many opportunities to visit markets during the weekend; the most famous? Antiques: one of the largest in Europe.
On this occasion, the suggestion for lunch, before continuing to the lands of Maestro Verdi, is a gastronomy that prepares ingenious strolling dishes including the delicious tortelli with butter and sage and passatelli in broth. On the sandwiches you will be spoiled for choice: the filling ingredient is up to you! And if you want to stop, there are tables ready to welcome you. Is called Me, Parmigianino. Original and young like its managers, fresh like the products found inside and friendly, which always fits well!
