Nature between the Stirone and the hills

A landscape shaped by the sea

It might sound strange, but the hills you see from Podere Montevalle were once the bed of a tropical sea. Millions of years ago, during the Pliocene, this entire area was submerged. When the waters receded, they left behind a landscape of rolling clay hills, deep river gorges, and layers of rock packed with marine fossils. Today this geological heritage is protected by the Stirone and Piacenziano Regional Park, which starts just a few kilometres from the Podere.

This guide is for those who want to slow down, breathe clean air, and discover a quieter side of the territory — away from villages and restaurants, in the green heart of the hills.

The Stirone and Piacenziano Regional Park

The Park stretches between the provinces of Parma and Piacenza, following the course of the Stirone torrent and the clay hills of the Piacenziano. What makes it special is the combination of natural beauty and scientific interest: the river has carved into the rock, exposing fossil layers that span millions of years. Walking along the Stirone is like flipping through the pages of a geology book.

The trails are easy and suitable for families, with well-marked paths that follow the river bed and climb gently through the hills. In spring, the meadows are full of wildflowers and orchids. In autumn, the colours of the oaks and elms along the river are beautiful. Even in winter, the barren landscape of the clay badlands (calanchi) has a stark, dramatic beauty.

The main access points closest to the Podere are Scipione Ponte (on the road to Salsomaggiore) and San Nicomede (near Fidenza). From Scipione Ponte, a pleasant trail follows the Stirone north, through woods and open fields, with several spots where you can see fossils embedded in the riverbanks.

Practical info — Stirone and Piacenziano Regional Park
Distance: 3.9 km from the Podere (nearest access)
Trails: easy, suitable for families and children
Best seasons: spring (wildflowers) and autumn (colours)
Free access, no ticket required
Official website · Google Maps

The hills around the Podere

You don't even need to get in the car. The Podere itself sits on a hill surrounded by fields, woods and open views. Our oak and black locust wood borders the property, and in summer it's a cool refuge just steps from the door. In the early morning and at sunset, the light on the hills here is something special — a warm, golden quality that photographers love.

The road from the Podere to Vigoleno via Bacedasco is one of the most scenic drives in the area: it winds through the hills with wide views over the Stirone valley and the Apennine foothills. It's equally good by car or — for the more adventurous — by bicycle, though be prepared for some serious climbs.

For families: the Gropparello Fairy Tale Park

If you're travelling with children, Gropparello Castle and its Fairy Tale Park (Parco delle Fiabe) are a wonderful half-day destination. The castle is perched on a rocky spur above a deep gorge in the Val Vezzeno, about 37 km from the Podere. The park offers themed trails through the woods where children can meet characters from fairy tales and medieval legends — knights, witches, elves — in an interactive adventure that keeps them engaged for hours.

The castle itself is worth a visit: it dates back to the 8th century and has a dramatic position above the river gorge. Historical re-enactments are held during the summer months.

Practical info — Gropparello Castle and Fairy Tale Park
Distance: 37 km from the Podere
Ideal for: families with children aged 3–12
Check opening times and booking on the website (often weekends and holidays only)
Official website · Google Maps

The Masone Labyrinth

Twenty kilometres from the Podere, near Fontanellato, the Masone Labyrinth is something truly unique: the largest bamboo labyrinth in the world, designed by the publisher and art collector Franco Maria Ricci. Walking through the three-metre-high bamboo corridors is a meditative experience, both for adults and children. The complex also houses an art museum with Ricci's personal collection, a library, a restaurant and an events space.

Allow at least two to three hours for the labyrinth and museum. The bamboo garden is beautiful in every season, but particularly impressive in summer when the canopy creates a cool, green world.

Practical info — Masone Labyrinth
Distance: 20 km from the Podere
Allow: 2–3 hours for labyrinth + museum
Check opening times and ticket prices on the website
Official website · Google Maps

Practical tips for nature lovers

• Footwear: for the Stirone trails, sturdy shoes are sufficient in dry weather. After rain, hiking boots are recommended as the clay becomes slippery
• Water and shade: bring water in summer. The trails are partly shaded by the river woods, but open stretches can be hot
• Best time of day: early morning or late afternoon for the best light and cooler temperatures
• Dogs: welcome on the trails, on a lead within the Park