The area

Borgo Val di Taro - Italy

Borgotaro, considered the "capital" of the valley, spreads out in a wide dell on the left bank of the Taro River.The urban centre, once surrounded by defensive walls, still conserves an architectonic patrimony of great interest for its fine buildings and noble palaces from the 16th to the 18th centuries. How to reach Borgotaro: by car, A-15 Parma - La Spezia highway as far as the Borgotaro exit, then follow the road signs to Borgotaro; by train, Borgotaro railway station on the Parma - La Spezia line

Facilities

Swimmingpool, riding grounds, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, gymnasiums, thermal facilities, camping, basketball arena, football fields, pubs, discos and cinema. fishing, hunting, hang-gliding, canoe and kayak canoeing, horseback riding.

The territory

The town is situated at an altitude of 411 mt a.s.l. The lack of fog and humidity provides a mild climate all over the year. In the area, the WWF protected Oasis of the Ghirardis spreads out over a territory of approximately 600 hectares of woods, meadows and cultivated fields.The landscape is characterised by a particular vivacity, with its oak and chestnut woods, Turkey oaks, lime-trees and gentians, and with its brooks, canyons and little ponds.And this varied scenario is home to an equally vivacious fauna, that includes roe deers, polecats, wildcats, fallow deers, wild boars and 78 species of nesting birds.

Local gastronomy

Mushrooms are its main ingredient. In 1993 the Val di Taro porcino mushroom (Boletus Edulis) has been given the I.G.P. (Protected Geographical Indication) certification. This tasty mushroom can be conserved in olive oil, or finely cut, mixed with olive oil and Parmesan flakes and raw eaten. April-may is the best period also for the Prugnoli mushrooms, an excellent ingredient for tagliatelle and omelettes recipes. The picking of the black truffle is also spreading in the area. Other main ingredients are the trout of the Taro river and the local game.