Varano de' Melegari, Italian comune
Varano de' Melegari is a small commune in the Province of Parma in the Emilia-Romagna region, about 33 kilometers from Parma. It sits in the Ceno Valley at the foot of Mount Dosso, surrounded by gentle hills and green fields, with a castle perched on a hillside overlooking the settlement.
The area has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with stone tools and pottery found in the Groppo Rizzone area. The Romans later took control and built roads, while Lombards arrived in the sixth century and established monasteries and small castles throughout the valley.
The name comes from the Varius family in Roman times and from notaries called Melegari who served here for centuries. The red brick buildings and narrow streets still show how people have lived and worked in this place across many generations.
The settlement is small enough to explore on foot and is easily reached from Parma or nearby towns. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended since paths lead through narrow streets and into the surrounding countryside.
The castle may have been built on the remains of Roman forts and is first mentioned in 1087, showing its long importance as a control point over key roads into neighboring regions. Today the structure is owned by the town and regularly hosts exhibitions and community events.
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