Highlights
Highlights
Hop on a bicycle and ride along the Food Valley Bike between golden fields and historic farmhouses: the air smells of earth and tradition.
Then stop at the Parma Morta Reserve and walk along the ancient streambed observing herons and kingfishers in their natural habitat.
At sunset reach the River Port of Mezzani and let yourself be charmed by the colours that the great Po offers when the sun goes down behind the embankments.
From Roman origins to the new municipality
Sorbolo has Roman origins and has for centuries been an important agricultural centre located near a bend of the Enza river. The name derives from the Latin "sorbus" (service tree), a tree common in the area.
Mezzani is located on the border with the province of Reggio Emilia, a very short distance from the famous town of Brescello (Don Camillo and Peppone).
In 2019 the two municipalities merged to create Sorbolo Mezzani, uniting traditions, territory and resources to enhance the Bassa Parmense at its best.
The Parma Morta Nature Reserve and the Po
The Parma Morta Oriented Nature Reserve is the jewel of the territory: a protected area that stretches for 5 km along the ancient branch of the Parma stream, which until the 19th century flowed into the Enza.
The loop itinerary allows you to observe a rich riverine flora (willows, poplars, alders) and numerous animal species such as herons, little egrets, kingfishers and coypus that have found refuge in this rare ecosystem.
Food Valley Bike and food and wine traditions
The Food Valley Bike is an 80 km cycling route that connects Parma to Busseto, crossing Sorbolo Mezzani, Colorno, Sissa Trecasali, Roccabianca and Polesine Zibello.
The flat and well-marked route allows you to immerse yourself in the rural landscapes of the Bassa amid cultivated fields, historic farmhouses and typical villages.
The local gastronomic specialities are those of the Parma tradition: PDO Culatello di Zibello, PDO Parmigiano-Reggiano, tortelli d'erbetta and anolini in broth.
Born in 2019 from the union of Sorbolo and Mezzani
Sorbolo Mezzani is a municipality born in 2019 from the merger of Sorbolo and Mezzani, set in the Parma plain between the rivers Enza and Po. The territory offers a perfect blend of unspoilt nature, history and culinary traditions of the Lower Emilia. Its naturalistic treasure is the Parma Morta Nature Reserve, a 5 km oasis that protects the ancient bed of the Parma stream with rich fauna and flora now rare in the Po plain. Walkable on foot, by bicycle or on horseback, the reserve offers birdwatching hides and trails immersed in greenery. The territory is crossed by the Food Valley Bike, an 80 km cycle path that connects Parma to Busseto through the rural and riverine landscapes of the Verdian Lands. Among the monuments stand out the Church of San Michele (12th century) at Mezzano Superiore, the Annunziata Church (1745) at Mezzano Rondani and the river port of Mezzani on the Po for boat excursions.
Related experiences
Two villages, one new municipality
Sorbolo has Roman origins and was for centuries an important agricultural centre set on a bend of the river Enza. The name comes from the Latin 'sorbus' (rowan), a tree common in the area. Mezzani stands on the border with the province of Reggio Emilia, very close to the famous village of Brescello (the home of Don Camillo and Peppone). In 2019 the two municipalities merged to create Sorbolo Mezzani, joining traditions, territory and resources to make the most of the Bassa Parmense. The modern municipality combines the relaxing rural environment with quality infrastructure, including one of the most modern libraries in the province with its multimedia resources.
The Parma Morta Reserve and the river port
The Parma Morta Nature Reserve is the jewel of the territory: a protected area stretching for 5 km along the ancient branch of the Parma stream, which until the 19th century flowed into the Enza. The circular trail lets you observe a rich riverine flora (willows, poplars, alders) and many animal species such as herons, egrets, kingfishers and coypus, which have found refuge in this rare ecosystem. The river port of Mezzani on the Po offers an ideal mooring for those navigating the great river, with a wide green area equipped for picnics and relaxation. Boat excursions depart from here and you can admire breathtaking sunsets over the waters of the Po.
The Food Valley Bike and the local cuisine
The Food Valley Bike is an 80 km cycle path that connects Parma to Busseto, passing through Sorbolo Mezzani, Colorno, Sissa Trecasali, Roccabianca and Polesine Zibello. The flat and well-marked route lets you immerse yourself in the rural landscapes of the Bassa among cultivated fields, historic farmhouses and traditional villages. The local food specialities are those of the Parma tradition: Culatello di Zibello DOP, Parmigiano-Reggiano DOP, herb tortelli and anolini in broth. Annual events such as the October Fair in Sorbolo and the Summer Evenings animate the territory with dinners in the square, music shows and markets of local produce.