Borgo San Donnino, now known as Fidenza, is an important site to visit in Verdi's land and is located along Via Emilia between Parma and Piacenza.
A city of great art and culture along the Via Francigena, Fidenza is the biggest urban center after Parma.
The Cathedral in Fidenza is a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture. The job of overseeing its construction and sculptures was entrusted to Benedetto Antelami, a noted architect and sculptor of the time between the end of the 11th and beginning of the 12th centuries.
The most noteworthy part of the building is most definitely its facade, where visitors can admire the bas relief and statues which portray clear messages dedicated to the pilgrims and faithful who visited this church.
Even in early Christian times, mention was made of a small church preserving the mortal remains of St. Domnimus, to whom the present cathedral is dedicated. Because of the veneration for the saint, the church became a vital stopping place in the Middle Ages for pilgrims bound to Rome along the Via Francigena. Fidenza's cathedral is the best example of a pilgrimage church.
Visiting Fidenza is recommended in every time of the year. Visitors can still see this town's Roman origins in the area east of Piazza Garibaldi.
Its Cathedral is an outstanding example of Romanesque art, dating back to the XI and XII century.
As well as the Cathedral, other noteworthy monuments and museums are: the Magnani Theatre, the Museum of the Cathedral, the Porta San Donnino, the Town Hall, the Church of San Michele, the Museum of Fossils from the Stirone River and the Museum of the Risorgimento Musini.
Autumn in Fidenza starts with Granfiera di Borgo San Donnino, the main fair of the village with events for adults and children.
During the year the theatre season offers many events.
Located nearby the centre of Fidenza is Fidenza Village Outlet shopping (about 7 km away), the shopping centre with many boutiques of the most prestigious brands at reduced prices. Its architecture takes its inspiration from Verdi's operas.
Moreover, starting from Fidenza there are paths along the Via Francigena, a route that starts near the Cathedral.
Very close to Fidenza are Salsomaggiore and Tabiano Spas, the Verdi's sites and the Park of Stirone.
