The Homeland of the Great Composer Verdi

If you had set off before 1325 you’d also have seen the village’s medieval castle which the town is named after, the well-known Castel Leone, but the many ups and downs that mark its history mean that all that remains of it now is what you see today. Get back on the saddle and continue through Semoriva all the way to Busseto, a historic town dating back to the 12th century and Giuseppe Verdi’s homeland. Its picturesque 13th century fortress, residence of the Pallavicino marquises and now town hall and site of the Verdi Theatre, and the Collegiate Church of San Bartolomeo Apostolo overlook the town square of the same name, together with a bronze statue of Verdi looking on at passers-by. Just a little further on, don’t miss out on a visit to the Casa Barezzi Museum where the young Giuseppe Verdi was given his earliest music education.  5 km from the centre, stop off at Roncole Verdi to see the house the central figure of this itinerary was born in. More than two centuries have gone by since then and important conservation and promotion work means that the house this musical genius grew up in can now be visited. We’ll leave Giuseppe Verdi’s story behind us now and make our way towards the Soragna Fortress, a medieval stronghold which has always been owned by the Meli Lupi princes. This fortress– one of the Castles of the Duchy of Parma and Piacenza – is an important example of early Baroque which now houses a large collection of art and artefacts testifying to its history. Fidenza is just ten or so kilometres away now, where this journey on Verdiesque “golden wings” comes to an end.