The Emilian hinterland is rich in priceless treasures; in particular, the Grand Duchy of Parma, like the Grand Duchy of Piacenza, is characterized by a series of castles that deserve to be visited at least once in a lifetime.
Fonte: dal web
The history of Emilia Romagna has been marked by the domination of many families, such as Malatesta, Montefeltro, Farnese, Bourbon, Pallavicino, Visconti, Gonzaga, Sforza and Malaspina, which, in one way or another, have left an indelible trace.
During a visit to the area, here are the Castles of the Grand Duchy of Parma not to be missed!
Antica Corte Pallavicina
The Antica Corte Pallavicina di Polesine Parmense consists of a castle on the Po river built in the early fifteenth century. Inside, chef Massimo Spigaroli welcomes visitors by offering them super delicious gourmet dishes.
Fonte: dal web
Inside the Court, you can admire period furniture and art objects, real testimonies of past glory. Staying among its rooms means taking a break from the hectic daily rhythms and being able to wake up with the chirping of birds that flutter among vineyards, gardens and orchards.
Castello di Compiano
The Castle of Compiano stands on a hill of the homonymous village: it is a powerful building, with three circular towers and a square, entrance arches, walls and garden. Inside, the castle is simple but refined; among the objects that you can still admire are the stories of noble dynasties, and you can make guided tours through the rooms furnished by the Marchesa Gambarotta.
Fonte: dal web
The Castle of Compiano also houses the International Masonic Museum: unique in Italy, offers visitors a vast collection of objects of Anglo-Saxon Freemasonry of the last three hundred years.
Castle of Montechiarugolo
Legend has it that the beautiful Fata Bema lived inside the Castle of Montechiarugolo, in the province of Parma.
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After crossing a drawbridge, you enter an elegant residence in full Renaissance style where, every 19 May, the ghost of the fairy Bema makes its entrance to bring luck to those present in homage to the seventeenth-century legends.
Castello di Roccabianca
The construction of the Castle of Roccabianca dates back to the mid-fifteenth century and has always been identified as the castle of lovers and lovers; but not only, because it is also the home of liqueurs, balsamic vinegar and spirits thanks to the presence of the Museum of the Distillery.
Fonte: dal web
The interior of the castle preciously preserves the long love story of Pier Maria Rossi with Bianca Pellegrini, carried out parallel to the official wedding with Antonia Torelli. Thanks to recent restoration works, valuable decorations and heraldic coats of arms have been brought to light.
Castle of Scipione of the Marquises Pallavicino
The Castle of Scipione is located on the “hills of salt”: its construction, always in medieval times, was commissioned by the Marquises Pallavicino for its strategic position.
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The interior of the castle still retains beautiful seventeenth-century furnishings, frescoes and original decorations, which are the backdrop to the adventures of Uberto The Great and Rolando The Magnificent.
Castello di Tabiano
The Castle of Tabiano is located on the first hills overlooking the Po Valley, which offers a truly breathtaking view. It is one of the most important defense buildings of the Emilian feudal era, built by the Marquis Pallavicino for greater control over the Via Francigena.
Fonte: dal web
After a long period of disputes, in the nineteenth century the castle became a private home and an agricultural center that, until the nineties, produced large quantities of Parmigiano Reggiano. Since 2005, however, the castle has become a kind of luxury hotel with rooms, suites and apartments, as well as meeting rooms and restaurants.
Castle of Torrechiara
The love story between Pier Maria Rossi and Bianca Pellegrini continues in the Castle of Torrechiara: all the rooms inside speak of them through the decorations, furnishings and frescoes.
Fonte: dal web
The name Torrechiara derives from “torchio”, because the homonymous village is located in the heart of the valley where in the past oil was produced, while today excellent quality wines are produced.
Varano De’ Melegari Castle
Another building of inestimable value is the Castello Pallavicino of Varano De’ Melegari, built in the Middle Ages for defensive and strategic purposes at the behest of the Pallavicino family.
Fonte: dal web
Its majestic and imposing appearance is due to the enlargement commissioned by Galeazzo Visconti, who decided to transform it into a real fortress with three massive towers and a central gate.
According to legend, the ghost of a young woman dressed in white, probably that of Beatrice Pallavicino, mother of four, who died in mysterious circumstances at the age of 21, still haunts the castle.
Fortress of Bardi
The Fortress of Bardi is truly extraordinary, simply because it has been perched on a spur of red jasper for over a thousand years.
Fonte: dal web
Visiting the interior of this castle is equivalent to reliving the climate typical of the Middle Ages, especially the Artillery Bastion wanted by Manfredo Landi The Magnificent in the fifteenth century, as well as the love story between the two young lovers Soleste and Moroello: commander of the troops he, daughter of the castellan promised by her father in marriage to another man she.
Reggia di Colorno
Finally, here is the Palace of Colorno, the famous summer residence of the Dukes of Parma, the Farnese, the Bourbons and especially of Maria Luigia of Austria, wife of Napoleon. The latter, in fact, is responsible for the presence of a magnificent French garden.
Fonte: dal web
The interior of the palace is splendid, with furnishings, stuccoes and frescoes that still express the typical luxury of the ducal court. On the occasion of a visit, it is recommended to visit the Astronomical Observatory and the majestic court chapel.
It is also good to remember that since 2004 some spaces initially intended for kitchens and other service environments have become the headquarters of ALMA, that is The International School of Italian Cuisine.
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