Lying in the middle of the Po Valley, Soarza, a small hamlet of Villanova sull'Arda, is worth a detour for several reasons.

Here the building development has remained almost completely unchanged since the 19th century making the small hamlet an invaluable example of a 19th century agricultural settlement.
In addition to the imposing farm Pizzavacca, we notice the symmetry of the access to the village from the side of the river Po, with a series of similar opposite buildings, ending in two turrets. Just outside, the big octagonal well made by a chain of buckets that were driven by the circular amble of a mule.
This type of well was very common in 1800, but by now we have few evidences of it.

A bit of history:
Probably founded in Roman times.
The first written testimony, dating back to 990 A.D., attests the property to the monastery of S. Silvestro of Nonantola.
In 1600 the fief of Soarza, Brancere and Cignano belongs to the Genoese family Costa.
Between 800 and 900 the new owners Picasso Ratto develop most of the farms and estates, modernizing the old settlements.

Two notes:
The area produces famous cherries including Mora Piacentina, Marasca di Villanova and Flamenco.
After the splendid blossoming in April, this very tasty fruit is celebrated every year with the Festa della Ciliegia (Cherry Festival).
At the Pizzavacca farmstead we can buy some food excellence of Soarza: preserves and vegetable sauces made with the local products.

For more info:
comune di Villanova: Soarza
cascina Pizzavacca