Start point: car park in front of the Luigi Zoja Thermal Spa, in Viale del Lavoro. Take the direction to via Berenini, at the roundabout take viale Romagnosi in the direction of the Congress Centre, ex Grand Hotel des Thèrmes where the florentine artist Galileo Chini decorated the wonderful halls. Go ahead uphill passing through the district of the Villas: climbing via Paradiso you'll find meter by meter the roofs of the city. Then proceed on the pave road which leads you to Sivizzano. Reach Vascelli and merge onto the trail which takes you to the Boffalora road, along 1 km of double- track sourrounded by the hill vegatation; on the path overcome the motocross track “Predella” and at the end you come out on the road Boffalora. Embraced by the gentle hills you'll cover 5 km half uphill and half downhill until you'll reach the village of Tabiano Castello. In the last section of the trail you can see the castle built on the top of the hill to protect the valley; on the road you'll find the small church dedicated to SS Gervasio and Protasio built during the XVI century . The castle owned to the Pallavicino Marquis and during its history survived to the Guelf and Ghibelline wars. At the end of the XIX century became a private house which is nowadays open to the public. Outside the fortress shows a typical watchtower and the superior part of the village is characterised by the city walls built in the XII and XIII century for defending the castle. You can stop for a tasting in the tavern near the castle. Proceed in the direction of the the valley and reach a locality called Colombaia then go uphill towards Variatico. After almost 2 km the road become a double track leading you to Bargone and its castle. The Castle of Bargone (private house and close to the public) is the last stronghold of the Pallavicino family you'll find on this itinerary. A church dedicated to the Assumption which houses a wooden statue of Beato Orlando stands in the courtyard in front of the castle. Every year for the anniversary of the saint many citizens accompany there their domestic animals for being blessed. Continue downhill through the last trail surrounded by the vegetation towards Salsomaggiore and the end of this excursion. In the city centre you can visit some of its most iconic places such as the Railway Station near the historical garden Mazzini Park designed by Giuseppe Roda in 1912 and desired by the Queen Margareth of Savoy. Through the park meanders the botanic itinerary "The Queen's trees". Go beyond the Luigi Zoja thermal spa and come back to the starting point.

Elevation profile

Crossed locations

• 1  Salsomaggiore
   - Start 0,0 km
• 2  Villa Paradiso
   0,9 km
• 3  Sivizzano
   4,4 km
• 4  Località Vascelli
   5,1 km
• 5  Tabiano Castello
   10,2 km
• 6  Bargone
   18,6 km
• 7  Campore
   21,4 km
• 8  Salsomaggiore
   - Arrival 24,0 km

Itinerary highlights

Modern Architecture - Luigi Zoja Thermal Spa

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The modern building important for its medicinal facilities was inaugurated in 1970.

Historic Building - Conference Centre

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The luxury hotel Grand Hotel des Thèrmes, known from more than 30 years as Congress Centre, is a splendid Liberty-Decò style building where you can breathe the charme of the Belle Epoque.

Church of S.S. Gervasio and Protasio - Tabiano Castello

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The small church of Tabiano Castello is dedicated to the saints Gervasio and Protasio.

Chiesa S.S. Maria Ausiliatrice - Bargone

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La chiesa è situata sulle colline che circondano Salsomaggiore, immersa nella natura

Modern Architecture - Railway Station

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The railway station clad in pink and white travertine was an expression of artistic and urban movements typical of the 20th century. Designed by the engineer Cervi, who took his inspiration from Milan’s central station, the building was inaugurated in 1937.

The Queen's Trees

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The itinerary runs through the urban green area and enhances the rich arboreal heritage.