The architecture of the ancient cheese factory is precious testimony to the neo-gothic style of the province of Parma and leaves you thinking about its religious ancestry. In all probability the building was designed to be an oratory for the “Monarch of Santa Teresa” and its construction would have begun during the second half of the 7th century. Nevertheless, the Napoleonic confiscation of convents assets would have prevented its completion and consecration.
It is thought that its successive use was as a cheese factory operated by locals whom have jealously guarded the ancient traditions for the production of Parmigiano-Reggiano ever since. It then became the property of the Duchess Maria Luisa, Napoleon’s wife and the daughter of the Emperor Francesco I, when in 1858 the building was reconstructed to recuperate the body of the factory and its neo-gothic facades, some of which can still be seen today.
Località Ferlaro, via Montecoppe, 21 - 43044 Collecchio (PR)
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