Caseificio Il Battistero: Mountain Parmigiano Reggiano in Varano de’ Melegari
Located in Serravalle, Varano de’ Melegari, Caseificio Il Battistero is a historic dairy specialising in Parmigiano Reggiano DOP Mountain Product, deeply connected with the agricultural traditions of the Val Ceno and Val Pessola.
Founded in 1939, the cooperative brings together a long cheesemaking tradition with modern services such as direct sales, online shopping, tastings and educational activities.
A Story that Began in 1939
The history of Caseificio Il Battistero began when 114 farmers from the Val Ceno and Val Pessola joined forces to create a cooperative dedicated to transforming their mountain milk into Parmigiano Reggiano.
The dairy takes its name from the ancient Baptistery of Serravalle, located only a short distance away.
Over the decades, the cooperative has expanded and modernised its facilities while maintaining its close relationship with local farmers and the surrounding mountain territory.
Parmigiano Reggiano Mountain Product
The flagship product is Parmigiano Reggiano DOP, made with milk from cows raised in the Val Ceno and Val Pessola.
The dairy is officially registered with dairy number 2023 and is recognised for the production of Parmigiano Reggiano classified as a Mountain Product.
Its cheeses are available at different stages of maturation, allowing visitors to discover how ageing changes the texture, aromas and intensity of Parmigiano Reggiano.
More Than Parmigiano Reggiano
Il Battistero also produces a variety of other dairy specialties.
Its range includes fresh and matured cheeses, stretched-curd cheeses and other products connected with the local dairy tradition. This makes the shop an interesting destination for visitors who want to discover more than Parmigiano Reggiano alone.
Direct Sales
The dairy has its own farm shop in Serravalle, where visitors can purchase Parmigiano Reggiano directly from the producer together with other local products.
Il Battistero also participates in farmers' markets in the Parma area and operates an online shop, allowing its products to reach customers beyond the Val Ceno.
Guided Tours, Tastings and Educational Activities
One of the most interesting aspects for visitors is the opportunity to discover how Parmigiano Reggiano is made.
The dairy organises guided visits, tastings and educational workshops, providing an introduction to the knowledge and craftsmanship behind each wheel of cheese.
These experiences make Caseificio Il Battistero an interesting stop for families, food lovers and tourists exploring the Parma Food Valley.
Discovering Serravalle and the Val Ceno
A visit to the dairy can also become an opportunity to explore Serravalle and Varano de’ Melegari.
The surrounding territory combines traditional agriculture with medieval heritage, Apennine landscapes and the modern motorsport culture associated with Dallara and the Riccardo Paletti Racetrack.
Caseificio Il Battistero represents the gastronomic side of this identity, showing how mountain farming and cheesemaking continue to play an important role in the Val Ceno.
Contact Information
Caseificio Sociale Il Battistero
Address:
Via Provinciale, 94 – Serravalle Ceno
43040 Varano de’ Melegari (PR), Italy
Telephone:
+39 0525 552003
Mobile:
+39 339 3211172
Email:
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The dairy has a direct-sales shop and also offers online sales. Visitors interested in guided tours or tastings should contact the dairy in advance.
Why Visit Caseificio Il Battistero?
Caseificio Il Battistero offers visitors an authentic introduction to the Parmigiano Reggiano tradition of the Parma mountains.
Here, cheese is closely connected with the farmers, milk and landscapes of the Val Ceno and Val Pessola. Visiting the dairy means discovering not only how one of Italy's most famous cheeses is produced, but also the agricultural culture that has preserved this tradition for generations.
For anyone exploring Varano de’ Melegari and the Parma Food Valley, Il Battistero is an excellent place to discover the flavours and cheesemaking heritage of the territory.
