Legend has it that two rivers that are considered brothers, the Taro and the Ceno, originate from two water springs that originate from the same belly, Mount Penna. According to the legend, it is there that the challenge is born, partly for fun, partly to demonstrate one’s strength, between the two rivers considered brothers.

So the two rivers agreed on the challenge they should hold and decided that they would separate, each taking its course along the valleys already marked, and then meet again in Fornovo, thus decreing an indisputable verdict: whoever arrived first on the shores of the country, would give the name to the river that from Fornovo, after crossing the plain, joins the great river Po.

“Tomorrow night, as soon as the moon comes up, we will leave, each one through the valley to which he gives his name. Those who arrive first in Fornovo will be able to continue their journey as far as the Po as the main river. Whoever arrives second, will die in the waters of the first, ending there his race”.

The following night, a sky covered with stars waited for the moon to come out of the mountains. The sources of the two brothers could not be seen one from the other so while the Taro, for a long time awake, was impatiently staring at the horizon ready to flow towards the valley, the Ceno still slept quietly.

The moon soon appeared from the mountains with its white light and the Taro, watchful for some time, abandoned all its inertia, slipping towards Fornovo.

The Ceno woke up shortly after realizing that the moon had by then been drawn from the mountains without hesitation. He fell towards Anzola, realizing that he had to recover ground, so in his hasty run he chose the fastest and most impervious route, between gorges and rapids, waterfalls and gorges, trying to recover at any cost.

From Bardi onwards he made his way digging a deep valley, avoiding losing ground by turning around the village of Varsi and then continue towards Varano.

The mountains around the village were descending towards the valley, and Ceno realized that he was now close to the finish line. He launched himself with a last leap towards the plain that stretched in front of his path until he realized that he had lost the challenge with his brother Taro, who had long passed, lapped with its waters the banks between Ramiola and Fornovo.

Much time has passed since the origins of this history but what remains beyond the legend are two beautiful valleys, Val Taro and Val Ceno.

CATEGORIA
Tales
INDIRIZZO