Pontenure

Numerous archaeological discoveries in the area prove that it was heavily populated in Roman times, while in the Middle Ages its strategic position meant it was frequently the scene of fighting and destruction. 

Merchants and pilgrims also arrived in Pontenure, travelling along the Via Emilia – in times of peace the Via Emilia coincided with the Via Francigena as far as Fidenza. Pontenure keeps this memory alive as it belongs to the Associazione delle Vie Francigene. 

Today Pontenure is a lively town, where modern industry and commerce flourish without the agricultural roots being forgotten. The surrounding area has been greatly altered by human endeavour, but many farms, agriturismi, and dairies offer delicious local produce.

 As is true everywhere in the plain, the best seasons to visit in terms of the climate are spring and autumn, but nevertheless the area comes alive whenever there are events and fairs. 

In the centre of Pontenure is the church of San Pietro, founded in antiquity, and also part of the pilgrimage tradition; today the nave is flanked by double aisles.  The bell tower next to the church dates back to mediaeval times. 

The Park of Villa Raggio, laid out at the end of the 19th century in the style of a romantic garden, has 750 plants and is used for various events.

Inns, restaurants and agriturismi offer the typical menus of Piacenza, which always include the PDO cured meats (salumi D.O.P.) and  local cheeses, athe famous pasta dishes (tortelli filled with ricotta dressed with butter and sage, pisarei e fasö).
The delicious ricotta produced at Valconasso is well known. 

The “Concorto Film Festival” has been organised here since 2002: it is an international cinema festival dedicated to short films, which has grown in importance every year, and is now a major event. Last year more than 3500 short films entered the competition, coming from all over over the world. 

Festa dell’Asino – the Donkey Festival - in September.
Festivals and sagre at Pontenure and in the villages.

At Muradello – just under 4 km from Pontenure – the 15th-century castle can be admired from the outside; it has been restored and is privately owned. Nearby is the church of San Colombano.

Near Valconasso is La Bellotta, a complex including a neoclassical villa and other buildings, which is today a pastoral and holiday centre run by the Diocese of Piacenza – Bobbio.
At Paderna one can admire the Castle and the parish church.