Borgo Val di Taro, commonly known as Borgotaro, is strategically situated in the heart of the Taro Valley within the province of Parma. The settlement's origins date back to Roman times, but it gained significant prominence during the Middle Ages as a crucial transit point on trade routes between the Po Valley and the Tyrrhenian Sea. Under the rule of the Farnese family in the 16th century, the town experienced an architectural flowering, which remains evident in the structures of its historic center today. The municipality is globally renowned for its porcini mushrooms (Fungo di Borgotaro), which since 1993 have held the distinction of being the only ones in Europe with a protected geographical indication (IGP). During World War II, the region served as a stronghold for the partisan resistance against German occupation, earning the town the Gold Medal for Military Valor. Today, Borgo Val di Taro is a vital cultural and gastronomic hub in the Emilian Apennines.
Location: Italy
Top sights: Castello di Borgo Val di Taro · Chiesa di San Rocco · Chiesa di San Domenico
Nearby: Framura (35 km)
Population: ~5.466
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Avg °C
3
3
7
11
15
20
23
23
18
13
8
4
Rain mm
55
62
68
65
65
48
38
45
61
92
117
70
Geography
Population
5,466
Coordinates
44.48000, 9.77000
Facts
Elevation: 411 meters above sea level
Population: approximately 6,700 inhabitants
Year of IGP certification for mushrooms: 1993
Awarded the Gold Medal for Military Valor after WWII
Pick weather + travel mode, get a concrete day plan.
09:00→16:170.7 km walk7 places0/7
Day budget: ≈ 20–28 €Entries 24€ · Transport 0€
Start your day in the heart of Borgo Val di Taro at Piazza Manara, the town's vibrant hub. Stroll through the narrow streets and admire Palazzo Boveri before immersing yourself in the sacred silence of San Domenico Church. After visiting the Wall Museum, a culinary highlight awaits: porcini mushrooms, for which the region is world-famous. Spend the afternoon at Sant'Antonino Church and end your walk at the historic San Rocco Bridge overlooking the Taro river.
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09:10 · 47'
Piazza Manara
Sip an espresso at one of the historic bars on the square.
Explore the surroundings of Borgo Val di Taro by bike. After a quick start in the center, the route leads you to the beautiful Oasi dei Ghirardi, a WWF nature reserve. Enjoy the tranquility and fresh air of the Apennines with a picnic before cycling back to town to end the day at San Rocco Bridge and Palazzo Boveri.
By car, combine the best of Borgo Val di Taro with the highlights of the surroundings. After a morning in the historic center, drive to Monte Prinzera to enjoy the volcanic nature and vast views. The day concludes with a visit to the charming village of Berceto, an important stop on the Via Francigena, before the return journey.