Berceto is a characteristic village in the Parma Apennines, immersed in the green valley of the Manubiola stream and called “small stone jewel”.
The location on the Via Francigena, one of the most important commercial communication routes, has made Berceto a strategic place since the Middle Ages.
Its origins date back to the eighth century: the Lombard king Liutprand built a monastery in the valley and, over time, the community around the monastery became larger and larger.
An important religious garrison, in 879 it passed under the control of the Bishop of Parma. In the twelfth century it became the property of the Municipality of Parma and, from 1308 until 1666, it was a fief of the Rossi family who were very attentive to the aesthetic embellishment of the village.
To see:
The Duomo is an example of the prestige that the village has had over the centuries. An imposing structure located in the center of the Via Francigena, synthesis of artistic styles from different periods: Lombard, Romanesque and Renaissance.
The chapel of S. Apollonia is located next to the Duomo while, behind the apse, you can admire Piazza San Giovanni, called the “Canons” by the Bercetesi who, once, went daily to the source to stock up on drinking water.
Another impressive building is the Castle, dating back to 1221, whose surrounding area has been transformed into an archaeological park.
