Compiano​

Latest page update: 26 May 2025
By: Dion Protani

Where to Stay

Where to Stay in Compiano
Accommodation options in Compiano are limited, with most stays made up of small B&Bs and rural properties in the surrounding hills. For established hotels, the village has one notable option, while the wider Province of Parma offers additional full-service choices with stronger facilities and a higher volume of reviews.
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In the village, Castello di Compiano is the standout hotel, set within the historic castle and offering period-style rooms, an atmospheric setting and a unique base for exploring the upper Taro Valley (€€€). For a broader range of facilities, Grand Hotel Salsomaggiore in Salsomaggiore Terme provides an upmarket spa experience with extensive wellness amenities, spacious communal areas and consistently high guest feedback (€€€€). Also in Salsomaggiore, Hotel Villa Fiorita is a long-established option appreciated for its elegant setting, outdoor pool and dependable service standards, making it a popular choice for longer stays in the province (€€€).

Where is

Where is Compiano?
​The town of Compiano is situated within the Province of Parma and has a population of around 1,100 residents.

It stands at an elevation of 520 metres above sea level and is included in the list of Borghi Più Belli d'Italia (most beautiful villages in Italy). Places of interest nearby include Bobbio, Salsomaggiore Terme, Parma and Castell'Arquato. 
Comune di Compiano
Province: Parma

Region: Emilia Romagna

Population: 1,048​​ (in 2024 - source)

Size: 37 km²

​Elevation: 520 metres

Close by: Bobbio, Salsomaggiore Terme, Parma, Castell'Arquato

Recommended stay: Hotel Residence Sant'Anna (3 km)
One of I Borghi più belli d'Italia (Italy's Most Beautiful Villages)

Listing headline: Il Borgo dei Girovaghi (The Village of the Wanderers)

What People Ask About Compiano

Is Compiano worth visiting?
Yes, Compiano is a medieval village in the Apennines known for its well-preserved castle, narrow stone streets, and scenic views. It is officially listed among the “Borghi più belli d’Italia”.
What can you do in Compiano?
You can tour the Castello di Compiano, visit the Freemasonry Museum inside the castle, walk through the historic centre, and enjoy views over the Taro Valley. There are also local food events and craft shops.
How do you get to Compiano?
Compiano is around 70 km from Parma and is best reached by car. The nearest train station is in Borgo Val di Taro, about 15 km away, with onward travel by taxi or local bus.
What is Compiano known for?
Compiano is known for its hilltop castle, medieval layout, and membership in Italy’s most beautiful villages list. The castle includes historic rooms and a museum of Freemasonry artefacts.
When is the best time to visit Compiano?
Late spring to early autumn is best, with clear views and comfortable weather for walking. Summer often includes festivals and events at the castle and in the village centre.
Related links

Discover

Discover Compiano
Compiano is a hilltop village in the province of Parma, set in the upper Taro Valley near the Apennine passes towards Liguria. Surrounded by wooded slopes and mountain ridges, it retains a compact medieval centre of stone houses, narrow lanes, and fortified gateways. Its elevated position provided strategic importance in controlling routes between Emilia and the coast.
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The most striking feature is the Castello di Compiano, a fortress that dominates the village and today houses museums and exhibitions. Other notable landmarks include the Parish Church of San Giovanni Battista and the traditional houses clustered around the central square. Paths lead into the surrounding Apennines, while road connections link Compiano with Borgo Val di Taro and other towns along the Taro Valley.

Things to Do

Things to Do in Compiano
  • Castello di Compiano: This hilltop castle dominates the village and dates back to the early Middle Ages. Once a strategic stronghold of the Malaspina and Landi families, it now houses a museum with historical furnishings, artworks, and exhibitions, as well as offering panoramic views over the Taro Valley.
  • Historic Village and Stone Architecture: The village is listed among Italy’s Borghi più Belli and features narrow lanes, stone houses, and arched gateways. The compact centre retains its medieval charm, with flower-filled balconies and quiet corners that reflect centuries of continuous settlement.
  • Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista: This parish church stands near the castle and features Baroque interiors with wooden altars, stucco decorations, and paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries. It remains an important part of the village’s religious and cultural life.
  • Trekking and Scenic Walks: Compiano is surrounded by hills and forests, offering nature trails suitable for hiking and walking. Routes from the village lead to nearby viewpoints, riverside paths, and connections with the wider Appennino Parmense, ideal for those exploring the area on foot.
  • Day Trip to Bardi: Around 25 minutes away, Bardi is home to an even larger fortress and a historic centre with additional dining and cultural options. It complements a visit to Compiano with further insights into the region’s feudal and military history.

Tours and Activities

Compiano Tours and Activities

Photo Gallery

Emilia-Romagna Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations

1. Bologna
2. Ravenna
3. Ferrara
4. Cesena
5. Parma
6. Cesenatico
7. Modena
8. Rimini​
9. Brisighella
10. Comacchio

​👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Emilia-Romagna

How to Get to [Place Name]

How to Get to Compiano
By Rail: Compiano does not have its own train station. The nearest station is in Borgotaro (Borgo Val di Taro), about 15 kilometres away, on the Parma–La Spezia line operated by Trenitalia. From Parma, the train to Borgotaro takes around 1 hour, and from there Compiano can be reached in about 20 minutes by car or local taxi.

By Road: Compiano is located in the Taro Valley in the Apennine mountains, close to the Ligurian border. From Parma, the distance is about 75 kilometres, with a driving time of around 1 hour and 30 minutes via the SS523 road. From La Spezia, the journey is approximately 70 kilometres and takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Parking is available near the castle and at the entrance to the village.

Nearest International Airports:
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  • Parma Airport (Giuseppe Verdi): About 70 kilometres from Compiano, with a drive of around 1 hour and 20 minutes. This is the nearest airport, with mainly domestic and limited European services.
  • Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport: Approximately 130 kilometres away, with a driving time of about 2 hours. A good option for domestic and European routes.
  • Pisa International Airport (Galileo Galilei): Roughly 150 kilometres from Compiano, taking about 2 hours and 15 minutes by car. Offers a wide range of European and international flights.

Private Transfers

Compiano Private Transfers
A private transfer is the most convenient way to travel to or from Compiano, offering a direct service without the need to rely on limited bus routes or drive the winding mountain roads yourself. You’ll be collected from your chosen location and driven by a local, professional driver, ensuring a smooth and reliable journey.

From Compiano, the nearest hub is Parma, which can be reached in about 1 hour 30 minutes, a distance of 70 km. Parma Airport is around 1 hour 35 minutes away at 75 km, while Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport can be reached in about 2 hours, covering 125 km. A transfer to Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport usually takes 2 hours with a journey of 150 km. For those travelling further, Milan Linate Airport is about 2 hours 30 minutes away, a distance of 190 km.
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To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.

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