Porcino Mushroom Museum (Borgotaro and Albareto)

The word ‘fungus’ derives from the Latin *fungus* (in use from the early 14th century) and can be linked to the Greek *spóngos* or *sphóngos* (sponge). The Greek word ‘mykés’ gives rise to the terms ‘fungi’ and ‘mycology’, as well as the name of the city of Mycenae, which, according to myth, was founded by Perseus precisely at the spot where, weary and thirsty from his journey, he quenched his thirst with water held in the cap of a mushroom.

In the Parma area, there are two museums dedicated to the porcini mushroom, one in Borgotaro and one in Albareto. In Borgotaro, visitors can follow an exhibition route comprising various stops, and both museums will host events.

Borgo Val di Taro lies neatly nestled in a wide, gentle basin to the left of the River Taro, at the junction of the two routes leading to Chiavari via the Passo del Bocco and to Sestri Levante via the Passo di Cento Croci.

The municipality of Albareto lies between Emilia, Liguria and, to a small extent, Tuscany.
It occupies the vast valley of the Gotra stream, from which it takes its name, on the right bank of the River Taro, which largely coincides with its natural boundaries.

The Consortium of the Parma Municipalities

The extensive wooded area stretching from 600 metres up to the high ridges of the Apennines and running in a continuous strip along the right bank of the River Taro, between the Cogena and Gotra streams, belongs almost entirely and in undivided ownership to the communal lands of Baselica, Pontolo, Valdena, San Vincenzo-Rovinaglia (in the municipality of Borgotaro) and Gotra, Buzzò. Albareto, Boschetto, Tombeto, Groppo and Montegroppo (in the municipality of Albareto), and has been enjoyed by the inhabitants of these localities since time immemorial.
Although these territories belong to the Province of Parma, they are situated at the confluence of three regions: Emilia-Romagna, Liguria and Tuscany.

The Borgotaro Porcini Mushroom Museum is open from 1 March to 31 October on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 10.00 to 18.00.
In July, August and September, it is open every day:
Monday to Friday from 9.30 am to 12.30 pm and 3.30 pm to 6.00 pm; Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm.
It is closed from November to February.
Guided tours for groups are always available by booking.
prenotazioni.fungo@museidelcibo.it

Albareto site

From 1 March to 8 December
Open by booking only, with a guided tour.

For further information and bookings, please visit the official website.

Gallery