Luzzara has a fascinating typical Po River Valley landscape. It is located at the extreme north edge of the Province of Reggio Emilia, where the Reggio Emilia lowlands merge with the Mantua Oltrepo (on the opposite side of the Po River). It has always been especially linked to the character and destiny of the Po River.
It is an ideal destination for “informed” tourism, not only for the naturalistic aspects but also for its genuine products (Lambrusco wine and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, for example), with a cuisine based on its typical flavours of cappelletti, tortelli di zucca, cold pork meats and freshwater fish dishes.
Thanks to the work of its most famous native son, Cesare Zavattini (to whom was dedicated the Naive-Art National Museum, the only one of its kind, is named but which, unfortunately, is closed due to the damage caused by the 2012 earthquake), Luzzara, the surrounding countryside and the world of the river, have extended well beyond their geographical limits and have become places of the spirit, to be discovered on foot, by mountain bike, by horse or by canoe.
Next to the town centre of Luzzara, with its ancient porticoes and its imposing high Tower (the highest in the province, as the local people proudly claim), the networks of reclamations and valleys, but, most of all, the Po River and the floodplain have all been well conserved. Here, among poplars and birches, or directly on the banks of the river, huts emerge in the greenery, often hoisted on stilts and surrounded by vegetable gardens, as well as quince, plum and walnut trees.
The San Giorgio Church, in Baroque style, maintains the apse and some Romanesque-style details.
The restoration of the former Luccio Quarry, the artificial lake deriving from a quarry for the extraction of clay, and the surrounding area, with the creation of pedestrian and educational trails, are particularly interesting.
The "River Park" is located inside the natural area of the Po River, in a magnificent centuries-old oak wood. The surrounding environment is particularly quiet, with green spaces and clean air, away from the urban area. Suitable for both old and young people, the park has paths of different levels of difficulty, developed in full safety and completely respectful of nature. Inside the park are benches and picnic tables for eating in the open air. In the surrounding area, on the banks of the Po River, is a kiosk-bar, where it is possible to eat hamburgers, sandwiches, salads and barbecues with live music on weekends.
Cycling routes in the floodplain. Luzzara’s floodplain is included in the main cycle routes of Emilia and Lombardy, making it possible to visit small and large towns full of historical and cultural elements, with an enviable culinary tradition. Luzzara links easily to the cycle routes of Parma, Mantua and Lake Garda. It is also part of shorter, but equally important and fascinating routes, such as the one that goes from Brescello to Suzzara (passing through Gualtieri, Guastalla and Luzzara), the Three Bridges tour (Borgoforte, Correggioverde, Luzzara, Suzzara) and the route going from Luzzara to the mouth of the Secchia River (Motteggiana, Bagnolo San Vito, San Benedetto Po).
The app "Terre di Po e dei Gonzaga in bici" ("Lands of the Po River and the Gonzaga by bicycle") is available with nine different bicycle routes connecting all the towns of the Lowlands of the Reggio Emilia Province, on App Store (for iPhones) and Google Play (for Androids).
July Festival - second weekend of July
Musical performances and entertainment.
