Monticelli d'Ongina is located not far from the river Po, on the road to Cremona; the area is famous for the cultivation of garlic.
Away from the most popular tourist circuits, Monticelli d’Ongina is rich in cultural attractions, unique naturalistic environments and gastronomic traditions linked to the territory and its history.
From spring until autumn it's possible to enjoy the awakening of flora and fauna which characterize the local environment.
An ancient Roman settlement, now in Monticelli there were some attractions that are worth seeing: the Pallavicino Casali Castle, with its chapel decorated by Bonifacio Bembo’s paintings, the San Lorenzo Church and the Ethnographic museum.
Nature lovers can’t miss "Serafini Island", classified as a `Site of Community interest` for the beautiful river environment.
The section along the Chiavenna stream in San Nazzaro and the entrance of the basin leading to the power plant are also enchanting.
Along the main access road, the garlic monument is worthy of attention. Monticelli D'Ongina is situated near the Po River, in an area famous for the cultivation of garlic.
The ancient Jewish presence in the territory can still be perceived in some recipes: Jewish pasta, with tomato and locally garlic, and Spongata cake. This is a sweet pastry filled with honey, walnuts, pine nuts, raisins and minced amaretti.
The tradition here is rich in dishes based on river fish and it's linked to the Po valley custom of cooking ravioli filled with pumpkin and fried zucchini flowers.
Not to be missed is the production of cured meats and products of Piacenza tradition.
The proximity to the river favors water sports such as rowing; a rowing company is located in the town.
There are two traditional festivals held in the town. In May the geranium fair and the first week of October the garlic fair.
Not to be missed, for nature lovers, a bicycle excursion in the countryside and especially in the surrounding area of Serafini island, for the beauty of the river landscape and for the possibility of closely observing various protected species of waterfowl. The stretch that runs alongside the stream Chiavenna in San Nazzaro and the entrance to the basin of the hydroelectric plant- recently made navigable - is one of the most suitable places for bird watching.
Not far from the town, on the road to Caorso, there is the oasis "Pinedo Island", a privileged observatory on the nature.
