Fidenza (Emilia Romagna)

Fidenza is a town in the province of Parma, Emilia-Romagna region. The town has its origins in Roman times, and gained importance in the Middle Ages as part of an important pilgrimage route - the via Francigena - that led to Rome. The Fidenza Cathedral is the most prominent building, built in the 12th century and dedicated to Domninus of Fidenza, martyred by order of Maximian in 304 AD. The town's previous name, Borgo San Donnino, was given in honor of the saint. Remains of the medieval town are visible near the cathedral, include the only surviving gate, the Porta San Donnino. It was built by the Visconti family in 1364. Other noteworthy monuments and museums are: the Magnani Theatre, 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 and during the year the theatre season offers many events.