The Parco dello Stirone e del Piacenziano is the protagonist of the fourth episode of “Emilia Bike Experience“, with Justine Mattera and friends of ENDUchannel cycling along the most beautiful cycle routes of Parma, Reggio Emilia and Piacenza.
This time we start from Salsomaggiore Terme, in front of the wonderful Palazzo Berzieri to cycle along the Cycling Route Parks and Castles of the Duchy (today’s itinerary brings together the first and fourth stages of the entire route *), through the
Regional Park of Stirone and Piacenziano
.
This park was born in 2012 from the merger of two protected natural areas: the Stirone River Regional Park and the Piacenziano Geological Nature Reserve.
Inside there is the MuMAB (Museum of Ancient Sea and Biodiversity) which houses a collection of fossils of the ancient Po Sea and is engaged in cataloguing and studying fossils and teaching.
Scipione Castle of the Marquises Pallavicino is located just after Salsomaggiore, right on the border between Parma and Piacenza.
Before Castell’Arquato, halfway along the route, you have to make a must stop at Cantina Visconti, where Gutturnio, Bonarda, Barbera is produced, but above all the Vin Santo di Vigoleno, a sweet wine doc, produced since ancient times by the friars who lived in the Castle.
Castell’Arquato is characterized by this castle with a quadrangular plan. The village has always been recognized as a defensive structure of the area.
Last stop of the itinerary (and last castle): Castle of Castelnuovo Fogliani , also this garrison of defense of the surrounding territory, as evidenced by the high tower that controls the entrance below.
* The cycling route of the Parks and Castles of the Duchy is 150 km long and is divided into 5 stages:
- 1^ stage: from Salsomaggiore to Castell’Arquato Length: 29.2 km – Elevation gain: 178 m – Difference in altitude downhill: 179 m. Easy itinerary with undemanding difference in height.
- 2^ stage: from Castell’Arquato to Gropparello Length: 25.9 km – Elevation gain: 577 m – Difference in altitude downhill: 379 m. Itinerary to be tackled with good athletic preparation for difficulty in altitude.
- 3^ stage: from Gropparello to Castell’Arquato Length: 33.3 km – Elevation gain: 334 m – Difference in altitude downhill: 531 m. Itinerary moderately difficult in altitude.
- 4^ stage: from Castell’Arquato to Salsomaggiore Length: 28.8 km – Elevation gain: 520 m – Difference in altitude downhill: 512 m. Itinerary to be tackled with good athletic preparation for difficulty in altitude.
- 5^ stage: Ring of Tabiano Length: 26.7 km Elevation gain: 353 m Difference in altitude downhill: 353 m. Itinerary moderately difficult in altitude).
The route covered in this video has about 59 km, pedaling along roads accessible to all. The itinerary is suitable for gravel lovers but also for cyclists, travelers and families who can discover unique territories riding the ebike.
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