Corte di Giarola

Corte di Giarola is a medieval monastery and courtyard in Collecchio featuring Romanesque architecture with stone walls, arched windows, and a central courtyard enclosed by monastery buildings and a church. The entire complex forms a unified ensemble where different sections connect to serve various functions today.

Between the 8th and 9th centuries, a nobleman named Ingo built this fortified garrison near a ford on the River Taro. It evolved over time into an agricultural monastery complex that maintained its presence in that strategic riverside location.

The complex now hosts the Museum of Tomato, Museum of Pasta, and an exhibition dedicated to the Taro River Regional Park, revealing how food and nature shape local identity. These museums sit within the monastery grounds, connecting past and present through everyday traditions.

The site includes a 99-seat theater, conference rooms, and a restaurant for cultural events, meetings, and dining. Activities take place throughout the year in a calm, accessible setting.

The name Giarola comes from a Latin word referring to the gravel deposits that formed along the riverbanks where it stands. This etymological detail reminds visitors of the natural geography that has always defined this location.