Bibbiano

Bibbiano is known as the ‘Cradle of Parmigiano Reggiano’ because this part of the Enza Valley has been producing the famous PDO cheese for over seven centuries, and it is home to historic dairies that keep the cheese-making tradition alive.

Bibbiano is located 16 km south-west of Reggio Emilia, in the heart of the Val d'Enza, a fertile and productive area between the rolling hills of Reggio Emilia and the plain.

It is a must-see destination for anyone who loves tradition, fine food and craftsmanship: it is known as the ‘Cradle of Parmigiano Reggiano’, where this famous cheese has been produced for over seven centuries and its culinary history is still alive and authentic to this day.

The best seasons to discover Bibbiano are spring and autumn.
In spring, the weather is ideal for walking through squares, museums and food and wine trails, while September is the highlight of the year thanks to the Bibbiano Produce Festival, a market-show dedicated to the Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and typical local production.

What to see

Parmigiano Reggiano Monument
a 3-metre-high sculpture carved from Carrara marble, symbolizing the village’s tradition of cheese-making.
Town Hall
an elegant late 19th-century building with Art Nouveau details.
Santa Maria Assunta Parish Church
one of the oldest parish churches in the diocese, dating back to the Middle Ages.
Stele del Bianello
a large terracotta monument over 6 metres tall by Graziano Pompili, located in Piazza del Bianello.
Dialogo
an elegant marble sculpture group, comprising three slender and harmonious female figures, a contemporary work by Vasco Montecchi.
Oto Melara Agricultural Tractors Museum
a unique exhibition of historic tractors.

Nearby

Pieve di Bibbiano
a historic church mentioned as early as before the year 1000, featuring a 15th-century terracotta statue of the Madonna.
Cavriago and Montecchio Emilia
nearby villages offering historical trails and natural beauty.
Wine and Flavours Route of the Scandiano and Canossa Hills
a food and wine tour taking in wineries, vinegar cellars and dairies, perfect for tastings and discovering local specialities.

Main events

At table

Local history

Bibbiano is a town with ancient roots dating back as far as prehistoric times: archaeological finds in the area show traces of human settlements from as early as the Palaeolithic and Neolithic periods, with artefacts including ancient tools and pottery.

During the Roman era, the area was permanently inhabited and numerous artefacts have been unearthed, evidence of the presence of farmers and rural settlements along the empire’s communication routes.

In the Middle Ages, Bibbiano became an important centre of the ‘Matildic Lands’, linked to the history of the powerful Canossa family. The village was part of the lands administered by Matilda of Canossa in the 12th century and, following her death in 1115, experienced a long period of strife and conflict between local lords.

With the unification of Italy, Bibbiano became an Italian municipality in 1861, embarking on a path of growth linked primarily to agriculture and dairy production.

Identity and traditions

Contacts

42021 Bibbiano

Tel. +39 0522 253211 - Town Hall
urp@comune.bibbiano.re.it

Bibbiano Municipality