Fontanellato

Fontanellato, an enchanting village located in the heart of Emilia Romagna, is a place where history, culture and gastronomy are fascinatingly intertwined. This small but significant center, known in Parma dialect as "Funtanlè," has ancient roots dating back to the Bronze Age, when the area was already inhabited. Later, the area was colonized by the Romans, leaving an indelible imprint on the local culture.

The name Fontanellato derives from the medieval expression "Fontana Lata," a clear reference to the natural springs, or fontanili, that characterize the Parma plain. These springs rise to the surface, creating idyllic scenery and feeding water channels, including the moat surrounding the majestic Rocca Sanvitale. The presence of these fontanili has created a special microclimate, helping to make the area fertile and rich in resources. Over time, land reclamation, which took place after the year 1000 thanks to the work of the Cistercian monks of Fontevivo Abbey, further enhanced this territory.

At the center of Fontanellato stands the Sanvitale Fortress, an imposing fortress built in the 14th century. This structure is not only a symbol of the village, but also an important testimony to local history. Initially conceived as a defensive fortification, over the centuries the Rocca was transformed into the residence of the noble Sanvitale Counts, who inhabited it for about six centuries. Today, the Rocca houses valuable works of art inside, including the "Saletta di Diana e Atteone," frescoed by the famous Parma artist Francesco Mazzola, known as Parmigianino. This early masterpiece represents a moment of great artistic splendor and attracts visitors from all over.

Fontanellato is also home to several other places of interest. The Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of the Rosary, built in 1514, is an important landmark for pilgrims and visitors, attracting faithful throughout the year. The Oratory of the Assumption, with its wooden sacristy dating from 1720, is another example of the artistic wonders of the village, with decorations by Sebastiano Galeotti that tell stories of faith and tradition. One cannot forget the former Sanvitale stables, which once housed the family's noble horses, and Villa Gandini, nestled in a botanical park that offers a respite of tranquility and beauty.

Fontanellato's gastronomy is another of its great attractions. The village hosts the exhibition-market of typical Italian products "La Dispensa dei Sanvitale", where you can taste local delicacies. During the Librogustando Festival, the meeting between food and wine and publishing is celebrated, an event that combines the pleasure of good food with the passion for reading. Typical products include cured meats, such as culatello and spalla cotta, along with the famous tortelli, both with herbs and pumpkin. Local cuisine offers a variety of traditional dishes, from risottos to meat specialties, such as bomba di riso con piccioni, anolini, cappelletti, and a selection of desserts, such as fruit tarts and zabaglione.

For those who wish to take a piece of Fontanellato home with them, local dairies offer the opportunity to buy Parmesan cheese directly, recognizable by the sign with the shape of the famous cheese. In addition, every third Sunday of the month, an antiques and modern antiques market is held around the moat of the Rocca, where it is possible to discover vintage objects and curiosities that tell the history of the place.

Fontanellato is a village that enchants for its historical beauty, its artistic monuments and its rich gastronomic tradition. With a landscape characterized by clear, verdant waters, this place is an ideal destination for those seeking an authentic experience in the heart of Emilia Romagna. Famous for its traditions and culture, Fontanellato is a must-see for any lover of history, art, and good food.