Discover what to do in Salara: the San Valentino fair, a bike ride in Salara, the monastery of Santa Croce. Want to know more? First of all…
Where is Salara?
The municipality of Salara borders Trecenta to the north, Sermide and Felonica to the south, Bagnolo di Po and Ficarolo to the east, and Ceneselli and Calto to the west.
The San Valentino Fair
The 2024 edition of the San Valentino fair took place from Sunday, February 11 to Sunday, February 18 in the urban heart of the municipality. On the occasion of this lively recurrence, the solemnity of the holy mass in honor of Saint Valentine blends with the jovial and carefree atmosphere of a bygone festival, during which the historic center of Salara is colored with dazzling floral compositions, art exhibitions, and drawing courses to spend the ancient celebration in good company, in the name of fun and creativity.
For more information about the next edition of the San Valentino fair, you can consult the website comune.salara.ro.it and the Facebook group NOI DI SALARA.
Bike Ride in Salara and Ficarolo
The starting point of the itinerary is the parish of San Valentino Martire in Via Roma, 193. Head north on Via Roma and Via Trieste for about 250 meters, proceeding along the edge of a walnut grove, then turn left onto Via Croce. Proceed west for 1 km until you reach the enchanting monastery of Santa Croce.
The Monastery of Santa Croce
Bordered to the north by a sinuous canal, the ancient property is harmoniously situated at the western edge of the municipality of Salara.
At the center of the architectural complex, dating back to the 12th century, stands the majestic church crowned by a top section with a mixed-line profile. Overlooking a radiant garden dotted with many shrubs and tall trees, the place of worship is flanked by two long wings spread over two floors plus an attic. At the end of the west wing rises a charming brick tower.
Turn left and proceed on Via Bolzon for 1.1 km between cornfields, vast expanses of wheat, and sunny vineyards framing elegant farmhouses and rustic buildings. At the intersection, turn right onto Via Coati, skirting the edges of a tree-lined park, then keep right onto the bike path, cross the pedestrian crossing, and turn right onto Via Argine Vecchio.
Follow Via Argine Vecchio for 1 km. Once you reach the top of the embankment, turn left and travel for 4.3 km along the paved road that follows a wide bend of the Po River. Along the way, you can admire the lush vegetation of cypress poplars, white willows, hornbeams, mulberries, and common reeds that cloak the banks of Italy’s longest river.
At this point (44.94940798151232, 11.430118885643909), descend the embankment, then turn left onto Via Castello. At the intersection, turn left and follow Via Ercole Sarti for 500 meters to the junction. Turn left onto Via Roma, passing in front of the public gardens, then turn right onto Corso Giacomo Matteotti and cross the historic center of Ficarolo.
Once you reach the monumental church of Sant’Antonio Martire and the soaring bell tower in Piazza Marconi, turn left onto Via Ermanno Giglioli. Continue northwest for 1 km along Via Ermanno Giglioli and Via Solferino, flanking the pleasant tree-lined park that surrounds Villa Giglioli, then keep right onto Via I Maggio and proceed for 1 km to the intersection with the regional road 6 Eridania.
The route continues for 550 meters along Via Vallicella between charming rural buildings and lush poplar groves, then turns left onto Via Giuseppe Verdi. After 650 meters, cross the canal and turn left onto Via Sabbioni Sud.
Follow Via Sabbioni Sud for 750 meters, zigzagging through the countryside of Salara. Once you reach a lush birch forest, keep right and continue for 300 meters to the intersection. Turn left and continue on Via Sabbioni Sud for 450 meters, then turn right to return to the church of San Valentino Martire.
