Monticelli d'Ongina, attractive municipality in the province of Piacenza located on a bend of the Po river at the northernmost point of Emilia Romagna region, a site with a remarkable past already inhabited 7000 years ago confirmed by archaeological finds in the local area.
Before entering in the sphere of the Roman Empire, this territory was populated by Arii, Pelasgians, Etruscans and Gauls Boii and with many artistic activities in the medieval period visible in its monuments located in its historic center.
The name of this place derives from "Monticelli", sand dunes present when the river was very different from what you see today.
This town is also famous for the production of the glorious Piacenza White Garlic, a product that for its incomparable quality has achieved international fame, therefore a perfect destination for all those who wish to discover a famous product often present in the international culinary elite as a highly appreciated ingredient.
I suggest starting the visit with the Pallavicino Casali Castle also known as "La Rocca", the first mention dates back to 1298 when the nearby city of Cremona which owned the local territories fortified the village as a defensive bastion and control point over the Po river and the extensive surrounding countryside.
The building you can see nowadays is an imposing 15th century castle erected at the behest of Rolando Pallavicino known as "The Magnificent" legendary leader of Polesine Parmense who knew how to right-hand himself with extreme sagacity by maintaining his possessions in an arduous period in which the Duchy of Milan and the Republic of Venice were in continuous expansion.
The castle with Renaissance forms was built entirely of brick on a large quadrangular plan with four imposing cylindrical towers and two entrances, one to the west and the other to the east protected by masts that open onto a large courtyard. Inside you can visit a beautiful chapel containing valuable frescoes by the Brescian artist Bonifacio Bembo who depicted episodes from the life of San Bassiano, patron saint of Lodi.
On the eastern wing of this stronghold on the first floor was developed a space that was used as a prison and from that point you can continue with the Ethnographic Museum of the Po set up in 1974 and housed in the basement of the complex displaying boats, fishing utensils, archaeological finds found in the local area and an Aquarium that will introduce the fish fauna present in the largest Italian river.
Then you will reach Piazza D'Azeglio where stands the beautiful Basilica – Collegiate Church of San Lorenzo highlighted by a triumphant façade flanked by an impressive bell tower.
Its construction was commissioned and financed by Carlo Pallavicino lord of Monticelli d' Ongina and bishop of Lodi in 1471 and ended in 1480. The church was consecrated in 1549 by the provost Gerolamo Vida bishop of Alba.
Afterwards you can enter in the picturesque medieval village of Monticelli d'Ongina which preserves relevant vestiges of that era such as the beautiful noble palaces Azzoni and Archieri and the suggestive arcades of Via Martiri della Libertà, historical symbols of the municipality as well as Villa Casali today the town hall.
In a brief overview along the coast of the Po river you can also see the wide curve that the largest river course in Italy forms in this location and see in a purely geographical theme how Monticelli d'Ongina is much closer to Cremona center of Lombardy than Piacenza, a city in Emilia Romagna.
I recommend visiting a farm that is dedicated to the cultivation and production of the famous Piacenza White Garlic which, due to its remarkable qualities, has meant that Monticelli d'Ongina is crowned with the title of "Capital of Garlic" and home to an important Fair starring this product protected by Co.PA.P, the cooperative of Piacenza Garlic Producersalso boasting the QC mark which refers to controlled quality, a certificate awarded by the Emilia Romagna region.
The only properties and characteristics of this special type of garlic has found in this place the optimal climatic, environmental and geophysical conditions perfectly suitable for the growth of this bulbous plant belonging to the Liliaceae family known not only for its great predisposition to use in the culinary field but also known for possessing great healing qualities.
This white garlic is very versatile, it is no coincidence that in terms of gastronomy it is highly appreciated and sought after by high-ranking chefs as a fundamental ingredient for many recipes.
The rigorous seed selection has given rise since ancient times to this fruit and vegetable product which, due to its characteristics far superior to its peers, has reached very important markets such as Japan, the United States and French with extreme success, also for the biological components of this product very rich in vitamins and mineral salts.
During the sectioning, the molecular structure of this Monticellese emblem, which boasts a consistent fragrant fleshy pulp, will show an immaculate white hue, refined in aroma and as a further gift not to be forgotten that of having a long shelf life that can easily exceed twelve months without undergoing any alteration, characteristics that have undoubtedly contributed to its large-scale success on the international scene.
Endowed with great versatility, Piacentino white garlic is perfect as a fundamental ingredient in sauces, added shredded on meats, pasta, inserted in sautés, superlative in rubbing on sliced bread for the creation of bruschetta, in mixed salads or to flavor appetizers of various
Time for your lunch, I recommend starting with a mixed appetizer based on Pancetta Piacentina DOP, Salame Felino, Coppa Piacentina and pickles, first courses to choose between Marubini or Pisarei and Fasò, among the second courses you can opt between Trout in Jacket with Steamed Potatoes or Mixed Boiled Meat with Green Sauce.
A visit to Monticelli d'Ongina is a wonderful experience for all those who love history, art, to learn about an agricultural product that has become an icon at national and international level and the beautiful landscapes of northern Emilia that always fascinate the visitor.
Link : https://emiliaromagnaturismo.it/en/towns/monticelli-d-ongina
Where to Stay | Recommended Accommodation
B&B Residenza Alba Chiara
I Malpensanti del Trieste
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