The Town
The Town
Fontanellato is the toponym of “Fontana lata,” meaning large fountain, so called because the town is located in the so-called Bassa Parmense, just 5 km from the Via Emilia, between the Taro and Stirone rivers. The environment is typical of the “low” Po Valley plain, with vast extensive crops and springs or resurgences, fed by underground waters that flow at considerable depths, covered by an impermeable layer of clay soil. These springs emerge on the surface, bringing clear waters that create particular climatic conditions and feed several canals, including the moat that surrounds the Rocca Sanvitale of Fontanellato.
The history
The origins of Fontanellato can be traced back to prehistoric times: they are linked to the terramara settlement of Castellazzo, which emerged between 1888 and 1895 from the excavations of Luigi Pigorini. He discovered several settlements from the Middle and Late Bronze Age (1600-900 BC) founded on stilts and surrounded by a regular moat; they were inhabited by indigenous people engaged in hunting and livestock farming. In the 10th century, an initial Lombard fortification was built, which later developed into a true castrum belonging to the Pallavicino family from 1124, probably for military purposes only. It was only around the end of the 1300s, with the transfer of ownership to the Sanvitale family, that the process of creating the urban center known today as Fontanellato began.
The economy
The town's economy is based on agricultural production specialized in cereals, forage crops, and tomatoes; cultivation is favored by particularly fertile and irrigated land, as well as a high degree of mechanization. Likewise, milk production supports the food industry sector, especially dairy, with Parmigiano Reggiano cheese factories and cured meat producers.
Fontanellato cuisine
Typical products of this area are above all cured meats, culatello and cooked shoulder, and tortelli, with herbs and pumpkin. Other typical dishes include: rice bomba with pigeons, Parmesan-style rice, anolini and cappelletti, Parmesan-style tripe, roast duck and guinea fowl, jugged hare, hunter-style rabbit, Parmesan-style scallops, fruit tarts and zabaglione.
In 2004, the town received the CittàSlow recognition, based on indicators such as urban quality, infrastructure, hospitality, the promotion of typical products and food and wine. Today, Fontanellato is also awarded the Orange Flag by the Touring Club Italiano, is a City of Art and Culture, home to the Castles of the Duchy of Parma and Piacenza circuit, and is included among the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy.
Total population: 7,095 (as of November 30, 2025)
Altitude: 46 m a.s.l.
Area: 53.9 sq km
Hamlets: Albareto, Cannetolo, Casalbarbato, Ghiara, Ghiara Sabbioni, Grugno, Parola, Paroletta, Priorato, Rosso, Sanguinaro, Toccalmatto