Castles and historical buildings

ROCCA SANVITALE OF FONTANELLATO

Surrounded by a water filled moat, the massive Rocca dominates the ancient village of Fontanellato, deriving its name from the abundance of underground water which used to spout from the ground of nearby marshlands. The present building dates back to the beginning of 17th century, when the Parmesan architect Smeraldo Smeraldi transformed the original square [...]

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CASTLE OF FELINO

The Castle can be visited partially (external walls and courtyard). Built by Marquis Luppone in 890, this square shaped castle encircled by a deep moat and stately bastions rises on a steep ground in the valley between the torrents Parma and Baganza. Through the centuries the manor became, among intrigues and wars of succession, the [...]

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REGGIA OF COLORNO

At the end of 15th century, the Sanseverino family transformed a previous four-sided stronghold on the road leading to Mantua into an aristocratic residence. Here, before she was behaded by the Farnese in 1612, Countess Barbara had created a lively court. Incorporated within the Farnese duchy, the small town experienced its most splendid period and [...]

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CASTLE OF TORRECHIARA

The enchanting Castle of Torrechiara was rebuilt between 1448 and 1460 by Pier Maria Rossi in honor of the beloved Bianca Pellegrini and perfectly preserves its square-shaped, late-medieval structure, comprised of four towers and an imposing crenellated curtain wall. Access to the internal courtyard is via a long covered entrance that leads to the courtyard [...]

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Vista del Castello di Bardi

CASTLE OF BARDI

From its position on that sheer outcrop of red jasper, the rocca or fort, looms imperiously over the burgh and valley below. With its sturdy curtain wall, embattled parapet-walks, guard towers, and castle keep, the fort is a fine example of medieval siege architecture (13th - 14th century), though what we see today is the [...]

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