Top 20 Castles in Parma

Whether in love or heartbroken, here you can entrust yourself to the luminous soul of the beautiful Fairy Bema, who lived in the Castle of Montechiarugolo, in the province of Parma, a renowned court of humanists and artists. You enter the crenellated manor from the drawbridge. The impregnable fortress due to its high walls – defended by machicolations, loopholes, corbels – becomes an elegant Renaissance residence inside. Strolling through the ancient rooms of the Castle of Montechiarugolo, beyond the splendid gardens adorned with 18th-century statues from the ducal garden of Colorno, you can admire halls, tapestries, period furnishings, frescoes, and flower-scattering putti. The Annunciation attributed to the school of Pisanello stands out. Legend has it that every May 19th around midnight, the ghost of Fairy Bema appears on the castle walls, towards Parma, awaiting the return of her beloved Pio Torelli. A friendly presence that will bring you luck!

La Rocca Sanvitale di Sala Baganza is a fascinating fortress of medieval origin located in Sala Baganza, in the province of Parma. Born around the year 1100 as a defensive structure, it lost its military function over time to transform into a sumptuous noble residence and hunting lodge, hosting three great dynasties over the centuries: the Sanvitale, the Farnese, and the Bourbon. Although three of its original sides were demolished in the Napoleonic era, the building today preserves splendid Renaissance frescoes from the 16th century and is surrounded by the majestic Farnesian Garden.

Tabiano Castle is a millennial medieval fortress located on the hills of Salsomaggiore Terme, in the province of Parma, and is famous for its panoramic view that ranges from the Apennines to the Alps. History and Origins Feudal Era: Built in the early 11th century on Roman remains, it was one of the main outposts of the Marchesi Pallavicino to control the Via Francigena and the precious salt wells of Salsomaggiore. Modern Rebirth: Purchased in 1882 by the Corazza family, the complex was restored and transformed into a thriving farm before opening up to hospitality and tourism.

The main headquarters of the Municipality of Montechiarugolo is located in Piazza Rivasi 3, 43022 Montechiarugolo (PR). The municipality has a polycentric structure divided into 5 hamlets (Montechiarugolo, Monticelli Terme, Basilicanova, Basilicagoiano, and Tortiano), maintaining its administrative and municipal headquarters precisely in the least populated hamlet that gives its name to the entire territory. Montechiarugolo is an Italian municipality of about 11,400 inhabitants located in the province of Parma, in Emilia-Romagna. Location: It is located about 15 kilometers southeast of Parma, along the Enza river. What to See The Castle: It is a 12th-century fortress that dominates the Enza valley. The medieval village develops right around the castle.

The Pilotta Monumental Complex in Parma is an imposing 16th-century palace that constitutes the true cultural heart of the city.

The Pallavicino Castle of Varano de' Melegari is an extraordinary medieval fortress located on a sandstone spur in the Ceno valley, in the province of Parma. Renowned for being a perfect example of defensive military architecture, the castle was designed to be completely impregnable. It is part of the prestigious circuit of the Castles of the Duchy of Parma, Piacenza and Pontremoli.

Even before the castle was built, the monks of the Abbey of Bobbio passed through Bardi on their Way to the Sea.

Felino Castle is located in the hills between the Parma and Baganza rivers in Emilia, a manor surrounded by a wide, deep moat and defended by imposing bastions. You will enter an elegant and charming atmosphere in the interior rooms and enchanting outdoor spaces, where summer events can be held, illuminated by the vibrant light of torches and the romantic glow of the moon. The main courtyard is accessed via a bridge over a wide moat. The bridge, now fixed but a drawbridge until the 19th century, was the castle's last defense against invaders. The dark bronze door, once opened, reveals a bright, luminous courtyard overlooked by porticoes and galleries that, over time, have replaced the ancient accesses to the patrol walkways. The high walls, defensive towers, and mighty keep are surrounded by a lawn whose position and shape resemble a terrace overlooking the hills and the plains stretching below the castle. Today, after over twenty years of careful restoration, it can be admired in all its splendor. Its nighttime illumination is so evocative and powerful that it can be seen from kilometers away. SOURCE: https://castelliemiliaromagna.it/it/s/felino/6005-castello_di_felino/ HISTORY of the castle and other information; https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castello_di_Felino