Where the Po Valley comes up against the first slopes of the Apennines stands the city of Fidenza. It lies just a few kilometres from Parma and Piacenza, in a central position within the area known as the terre verdiane or Verdi's Lands.
Its central position once made it much contested by Guelphs and Ghibellines, the parmigiani of Parma and the piacentini of Piacenza, but now means it can think ahead to ambitious development plans.
During this phase of change, the town has maintained strong ties to its historical identity, sculpted in the stones of its Cathedral, the true heart of the city.
The Cathedral, begun in 1101, is a splendid example of the Romanesque architecture of the Po Valley with Gothic touches in its sculptural decorations, under the direction of Benedetto Antelami.
LOCALITY: Commune of Fidenza, 27 Km from Parma