Among the hills of Compiano, organic produce tells a story.
The agricultural estate \"Cà del Duca\", owned by Anna Maria Torre, is located in Barbigarezza no. 2, at approximately 500 meters above sea level. It lies about 1.5 km from the town of Compiano (recognized as one of “The Most Beautiful Villages in Italy”) and 10 km from Borgo Val di Taro, the main town of the valley.
The farm is nestled in the beautiful landscape of Val Taro: to the west are vast woodlands, streams of the Apennine ridge, and the Val Ceno; to the northeast, you’ll find the “Road of Parma Ham and Wines of the Parma Hills” as well as the IGP Borgotaro Porcini Mushroom area; and heading south, the road leads to the sea.
This is a traditional mid-sized mountain farm, covering 33.56 hectares, of which 6.56 hectares are used as agricultural land. All crops are certified organic.
The estate is made up of several plots of land with different characteristics. The arable land is used for growing fodder, vegetables, potatoes, berries, and fruit trees—all used directly on the farm. A company garden of about 500 square meters provides fresh seasonal vegetables and potatoes for guests and is the foundation of local dishes such as vegetable pies, stuffed vegetables, and other farm-to-table recipes with organic menus.
The berry orchard, covering 2,065 square meters, includes blackberry, raspberry, white currant, red currant, and gooseberry plants. These fruits are used fresh and for producing jams and desserts, especially for the agritourism’s organic meals.
The small fruit orchard includes cherry, plum, quince, apple, and pear trees. These are used both fresh and processed into desserts, jellies, and a variety of preserves.
The farm also has a small poultry and rabbit breeding area, providing products directly used in the agritourism kitchen.
The area surrounding the agritourism offers a wealth of historical and natural attractions. Visitors can explore parish churches, ancient villages, and castles. The local towns still preserve the heritage of a rich historical past, including Compiano Castle and Bardi Castle, both of which host permanent and temporary exhibitions.
Nearby runs the Via Francigena, the ancient pilgrimage route that connected Canterbury to Rome during the Middle Ages. It is a historical itinerary and a cultural and artistic treasure.
Just 5 km away lies the WWF Ghirardi Nature Reserve, a regional protected area occupying 600 hectares of meadows, forests, and streams in the upper Val Taro, in the Parma Apennines. It is home to countless species of animals, plants, and fungi, featuring rare habitats and breathtaking scenery that transforms with the seasons.
The farm also plans to offer cultural activities, including workshops and meetings focused on wild and aromatic herbs.
In the surrounding areas—Albareto, Bedonia, Borgo Val di Taro, Bardi, and Tornolo—numerous folkloric, cultural, and gastronomic events take place throughout the spring and summer months. Highlights include the Trout Festival in August in Bedonia, the National Porcini Mushroom Fair in September in Albareto and Borgo Val di Taro, and various chestnut festivals in nearby towns.
Let us not forget that the area is part of the IGP Porcini Mushroom zone, recognized at the European level, and that the farm lies directly along the Porcini Mushroom, Wine, and Flavors Trail.
