Salsomaggiore and Tabiano Terme, located in the heart of the so-called “Food Valley” between Parma and Piacenza, offer visitors the chance to discover the area’s countless traditional food specialties.
Strolling around Salsomaggiore, lovers of good food and local produce can seek out the tastes and flavours of the area’s many excellent specialties. A host of shops and independent stores in the centre let customers taste as well as purchase the area’s traditional food and wine delights. The undisputed number one fine food product is Parmigiano Reggiano (PDO) which can also be bought direct from the various dairies in the hills around Salsomaggiore and Tabiano Terme.
The cheese-making process begins at 8 am and lasts around 2 hours. Visitors have the chance to see all production phases of Parmigiano Reggiano (PDO), from the delivery of the fresh milk to the formation of the wheels. The dairy tour gives visitors the chance to see for themselves how Parmigiano Reggiano is made, to watch the master cheesemakers at work and discover all the secrets of this totally unique PDO product.
Tours are available subject to booking, to be arranged directly at the dairy.
Here’s a short list of dairies to visit:
La Madonnina - caseificiolamadonnina.it
Butteri - www.caseificiobutteri.it
Lanfredini - www.caseificiolanfredini.it
Itinerary highlights
Castle of Scipione
The Castle of Scipione of the Pallavicino Marquees is the most ancient castle of the region and the only one still inhabitated by the descendants of the Pallavicino family.
Castle of Contignaco, Aldighieri's Fortress
Adalberto Pallavicino built the fortress during the XI century and seems that its main tower 30 meters high was built in 1030.
Castle of Tabiano
The Castle was built during XII and XIII centuries and was completly renewed at the end of XIX century when it was reconverted in a private house.
