CYCLING IN ARDA VALLEY – PATH N°9

By bicycle through Cortemaggiore – Besenzone – Zapparola – Mercore – Chiaravalle della Colomba – Fiorenzuola d’Arda – Olza Ballotta – Cortemaggiore.THE TRACK: This hilly track starts in Cortemaggiore. This village is the old capital of the Pallavicino’s estate, and the accomplishment of the so called “ideal town” ,theorized by Leon Battista Alberti in the renaissance. It’s got a peculiar aspect, with its series of arcades, its geometry and an antiques market (each first Sunday of the monthe) among the most famous in Italy. After Besenzone, known for “Colombare’s terramaras” dating back to the bronze period, you’ll reach the beautiful si raggiungono lo splendido e rinomato complesso abbaziale di Chiaravalle della Colomba’s abbey and e Fiorenzuola,the valley’s capital city. The town, crossed by the “contrada dritta”, still preserves the ancient roman structure;in the past centruies it was a fundamental stop for pilgrims going along Via Francigena.
DISTANCE: 25 km
DIFFERENCE IN HEIGHT: 45 m
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: low