The remarkable and fabulous wealth of castles and manors that unites the provinces of Parma and Piacenza in 1999 led to the creation of the "Castles of the Duchy of Parma and Piacenza...

We suggest four routes between history, nature and curiosity: to start to travel between fortresses, historic residences and castles of the most beautiful in Italy and Europe

BIKE TOUR: CASTLES AND HILLS FOR BIKE LOVERS OF HISTORY

Gentle curve in the hills, long straight, flat, for lovers of two wheels in the area of the province of Piacenza is a natural paradise. Pedaling in the green and see a looming castle, which becomes gradually closer, is a unique experience. Starting Fidenza (PR) and continuing towards the River Regional Park through piacentino Stirone you reach the old village of Vigoleno (PC), arrived intact to this day. The imposing tower of Vigoleno dominates the estate that belonged to the family Scotti. After a few kilometers of descent and ascent into the hills to get to Castell'Arquato (PC), a city of art, where stands the majestic Rocca Visconti. Through Podenzano and continuing eastward looming here was the unmistakable Castle Rivalta (PC), on the banks of the river Threshing and seven centuries of family ownership and Zanardi-Landi Landi is still in residence. And not too far away is Agazzano Castle (PC), a jewel in the fortress of the XII century the medieval austerity blends with the elegance of the Renaissance residence. Continuing along the narrow country roads to reach the Castle Paderna (PC), an elegant fortress protected by massive square towers and a double drawbridge, Organic farm today. A few kilometers away is Clairvaux, the last leg of the route, with its magnificent Cistercian Abbey. Just a little effort, then return to Wertheim.

MOTORBIKE ITINERARIES: TWO DAYS FROM THE DISCOVERY OF THE CASTLES OF BIKER DUCATO

Up and down the winding roads Apennines, riding a powerful motorbike, on a journey to discover the most beautiful castles of the Duchy of Parma and Piacenza. Perched on the mountains or perched on the Po valley, castles, fortresses and forts retain their charm. Starting from Salsomaggiore Terme continue towards Pellegrino Parmense, through the hills of Val Stirone, among woods, vineyards and lush meadows. After having climbed the step of Pelizzone you reach the village of Bardi (PR), which features the bulk of the Fort. Enchanting fortified castle situated on a spur of red jasper, surrounded by high walls, trenches and patrol towers, which towers over the village in all its grandeur. Over the pass opens Colla Val Taro, the ancient way of communication between Emilia and Liguria, where the castle stands as a sentinel of tasks (PR), founded before the year one thousand. Gaze over the valley, and only line of approach is a natural spectacle. Compiano starts instead from the stretch "downhill" towards the boundless plain. Arrivando a Felino (PR) si incontra la perfetta fortificazione medievale, massiccia e cinta da un ampio fossato. 890 built, the castle was expanded and strengthened in the following centuries, and now houses an inn and the Museum of salami. Not far from here, immersed in a landscape of gentle hills covered with vineyards, here stand out Torrechiara (PR), an austere-looking sumptuous residence, built in '400 by Pier Maria Rossi. This is one of the best preserved mansions across Italy, and in his extraordinary "golden room" are enclosed frescoes attributed to Benedetto Bembo and inspired the love between Peter and Bianca Maria Pellegrini. The last stage leads to Montechiarugolo (PR), where it joins the castle site in the valley of the river Enza. Elegant structure dating from the twelfth century battlements outside and connected with a drawbridge. From here you return to Parma, which is now only 16 kilometers, after traveling the length and breadth of his wonderful province in the south.

Road Trips: THREE DAYS IN THE MIDDLE AGES BETWEEN ROCKS AND CASTLES

A relaxing trip by car to enjoy the pleasures of good driving and amazing landscapes that can offer the Apennines to the most compelling of the routes of the ancient castles of Parma and Piacenza. It starts off with a sumptuous Palace of Colorno (PR), nicknamed the little Versailles for its resemblance to the summer palace of the Sun King, reflected mainly in the large external staircase leading to fountains of the garden, whose beauty merges with the richness of the interior painted. The route continues on a journey through the low-century Parma leading to Castle Roccabianca (PR) built by the local lord, Pier Maria Rossi in honor of the beloved Bianca Pellegrini with two bastions and a high central tower, known for reproduction cycle of frescoes dedicated to one of the tales of Boccaccio's Decameron which tells the story of Griselda. Following in the direction south is the renaissance Rocca dei Rossi di San Secondo (PR), sumptuous aristocratic residence with beautiful frescoes inspired by the mythology that celebrates the power of the noble family Rossano. The trail leads, then, to touch the beautiful medieval village which is the old part of village of Fontanelle with its splendid Rocca Sanvitale (PR) that keeps inside, along with furnishings of the period, the extraordinary cycle of frescoes by Parmigianino. Do not miss also the "camera obscura" which allows, through a complex system of mirrors and prisms, to observe the surrounding square. The last stage in the Parma region is the Rocca Meli Lupi di Soragna (PR), built at the end of 1300, with its frescoed rooms by Abbot Nicholas, Cesare Baglione and Ferdinando and Francesco Galli Bibiena. Moving in Piacentino, shortly after Cortemaggiore, meets the Castello di San Pietro in Cerro (PC), fifteenth-century aristocratic residence houses the Museum of Contemporary Art MIM (Museum in motion). The tour ends at the borders of the province of Piacenza with the mighty fortress of Olgisio (PC), among the most ancient and evocative castles Piacentini. Embedded in the rock and surrounded by six orders of wall structure dates from the year one thousand and has recently undergone a massive restoration work.

THE ROADS DUCATO, THE STEERING WHEEL OF A SPIDER 60 YEARS
A walk in CASTLES IN THE CLIMATE OF DOLCE VITA

From Parma, hearing the roar of the engine in a charming spider vintage. And 'the proposal of Slow Drive in collaboration with the Association of Castles of the Duchy of Parma and Piacenza. Irresistible. A spider as those we have envied, 115 km finally seated at the head of a Spitfire of '66, or '69 Duetto, cars that make you feel the road, the gentle curves, the happiness of a weekend which is a dive into the past, recent and distant, a journey into the pleasure of beauty and freedom. We head towards the first Apennines, meeting on the path of the Rock Hall Baganza (PR), which stands near the creek. In this one, which was the residence of the counts Sanvitale, small precious frescoes, brought a new splendor after a careful renovation. Continuing south, with the wind in your hair, you get to Felino (PR), where stands the imposing castle surrounded by a wide moat and corner towers. Inside, a refined inn where they enjoy some luxury-style "Dolce Vita". Castle Torrechiara (PR), surrounded by three tall circle of walls, stands on a hill romantic. Built around the '400 by Pier Maria Rossi for his beloved Bianca Pellegrini is one of the largest and best preserved in Italy. Worth the visit the "golden room" with frescoes attributed to Pietro Bembo, which presents the most beautiful moments spent between the two lovers. Last stage, which is achieved by diverting to the border with the province of Reggio Emilia, Castle Montechiarugolo (PR). Resting peacefully in the valley of the river Enza, consists of an elegant ornamental garden, the beautiful interior rooms painted by Cesare Baglione. The beauty of the landscape, the glory of the ancient manor houses and the joyous noise of the machines of the era, what else need to feel carefree?

 

The Castles of the Duchy of Parma and Piacenza

Parma Province

• FORTEZZA DI BARDI
• REGGIA DI COLORNO
• CASTELLO DI COMPIANO
• CASTELLO DI FELINO
• ROCCA SANVITALE DI FONTANELLATO
• CASTELLO DI MONTECHIARUGOLO
• CASTELLO DI ROCCABIANCA
• ROCCA DI SALA BAGANZA
• ROCCA DEI ROSSI DI SAN SECONDO
• CASTELLO DI SCIPIONE
• ROCCA MELI LUPI DI SORAGNA
• CASTELLO DI TORRECHIARA

Provincia di Piacenza

• ROCCA E CASTELLO DI AGAZZANO
• ROCCA VISCONTEA DI CASTELL’ARQUATO
• CASTELLO DI GRAZZANO VISCONTI
• CASTELLO DI GROPPARELLO
• ROCCA D’OLGISIO
• CASTELLO DI PADERNA
• CASTELLO DI RIVALTA
• CASTELLO DI SAN PIETRO IN CERRO
• MASTIO E BORGO DI VIGOLENO

Altri Castelli, Monumenti e Dimore storiche da visitare:

• ABBAZIA DI CHIARAVALLE DELLA COLOMBA - ALSENO (PC)
• I LUOGHI VERDIANI - BUSSETO (PR)
• SULLA VIA FRANCIGENA LUNGO LA STORIA DI BORGO S.DONNINO - FIDENZA (PR)
• ABBAZIA CISTERCENSE DI FONTEVIVO  (PR)
• CASTELLO DI NOCETO  (PR)
• MUSEO COSTANTINIANO DELLA STECCATA - PARMA
• ANTICA CORTE PALLAVICINA - POLESINE PARMENSE (PR)
• PALAZZO DELLA ROSA PRATI - PARMA
• PALAZZO DELLA COMMENDA (località Chiaravalle della Colomba - Alseno - PC)