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 Castles in the Parma Province
Bardi Castle - Photo © mr31032001
The fortresses, royal palaces, fortifications and manor houses in the
province of Parma (distributed over the entire territory) are unanimously
considered to be some of the most beautiful and best preserved in Italy. The
tourist will simply be spoilt for choice.
In the Apennines: the Fortress in Bardi, the second largest in
Europe, rises majestically on a spur of red diaspore, and presents towers
and walkways for the rounds along its impressive walls; the interior has a
wonderful parade ground as well as a number of frescoed halls; the Castle of
Compiano, found along the road which connects the Via Emilia to the Liguria
region and dating back to the year one thousand, dominates the magnificent
village as well as the entire valley of Val Taro; the Castle of Corniglio,
which is also found in a striking position, offers accommodation in a
comfortable Hostel.
 In the hills: the Castle of Felino, built in the IX century and
subsequently extended, presents a moat and towers at its four corners, which
transmit a feeling of power to the visitor.
The Castle of Montechiarugolo, a
majestic crenellated structure built in the 12th century in the valley of
the Enza river, preserves its fascination as having witnessed hundreds of
battles.
The Fortess of Sala Baganza, a residence for the Sanvitale Counts,
is found in the lower hills and houses precious 16th century frescoes; the
Castle of Torrechiara, built by Pier Maria Rossi in the 16th century, is one
of the largest and best preserved fortresses in Italy; it contains
extraordinary masterpieces like the “Golden Chamber” (whose frescoes have
been attributed to Benedetto Bembo); the Castle of Varano Melegari is
a strategically placed fortress to protect the valley of the river Ceno.
Felino Castle - Photo © Seb & Jen
 Colorno
Royal Palace - Photo © plata43
In the Po river plain: the Royal Palace of Colorno, the splendid
monumental residence of the Farnese family, of the Bourbon family and of
Marie Louise of Austria, has beautiful internal courtyards and a wealth of
frescoed halls; visitors can admire the waterworks in the magnificent
French- style gardens; the Sanvitale Fortress in Fontanellato, whose oldest
section dates back to the 13th century, is found in the middle of the town
and houses marvelous works, like the cycle of frescoes by Parmigianino in
the room of Diana and Atteone; the Castle of Roccabianca, built in the
mid-15th century by Pier Maria Rossi for his beloved Bianca Pellegrini (the
name of the castle contains a reference to her name), is striking and
elegant and contains e number of important paintings.
The Rossi
Fortress in San Secondo, a massive noble residence built between 1300 and
1400, to celebrate the power and exploits of the Rossi noble family in the
cycle of magnificent frescoes preserved in the halls; the Meli Lupi Fortress
in Soragna, built in 1385 and still the present-day residence of the Meli
Lupi family, contains an extraordinary collection of baroque furnishings and
furniture, as well as fresco decorations and cycle of paintings by Nicolo'
dell'Abate, Cesare Baglione, Ferdinando and Francesco Galli Bibiena.
So many jewels, each one extraordinarily beautiful,
coordinated by the Association for the Castles in the Duchy of Parma and Piacenza (www.castellidelducato.it).
Unforgettable visits in a fascinating journey to the past, which the visitor
can have the pleasure of undertaking
Courtesy of
www.turismo.parma.it
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