Search for the town, the city, the area where you want to go and consult the contents of VisitItaly
Search for the town, the city, the area where you want to go and consult the contents of VisitItaly

Castles around Country of Parme, palaces and mansions

The area around Country of Parme is rich in castles, towers, and historic houses, a strong testimony of medieval architecture. A dense network of manors spreads out over the whole area, in the plains, on the gentle hill slopes and perched on rocky mountains, surrounded by vineyards, beech and chestnut woods. Built in strategic positions, they dominate the surrounding valleys, often with mighty crenellated walls and lively interior decorations made on frescoed walls to recall the opulence of the local noble families. Many can be visited, still others used as homes, and still others only ruins as evidence of a glorious past. Discover with Visititaly, the fortresses, the villas, the forts, the historic buildings, the noble residences and all the places linked to culture in the surroundings of Country of Parme. If you have visited a castle and would like to share your experience with others, please report it here!

Bardi - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Bardi

The Castle of Bardi was built around the 13th century at the behest of Ubertino Landi, Count Piacenza. The fortress was born with the function of defence and protection of the Ceno and Taro valleys. The structure is impressive, and in the past it was able to accommodate up to four hundred people, as well as welcoming soldiers with spaces dedicated to them. Around 1400 the outer towers were added and kitchens and torture rooms were used in the basement parts of the building.

Parme - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Ducale

The Doge's Palace was built in 1561 at the behest of Duke Ottavio Farnese and was the seat of the ducal court until the second half of the '600. It represents the symbol of the city of Parma and is one of the most fascinating monuments of Italian art. The initial construction carried the signature of Jacopo Baruzzi, known as the Vignola. During the 18th century, construction work was carried out by Ennemond Petitot to give it a more classic look. From the 800 to the present day, the Palace has not undergone substantial changes.

Felino - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Felino

The castle is located on the hills of Felino, in the province of Parma and dates back to 1140. Recently rebuilt, it has been hosting a restaurant and the Salami Museum of Felino since recent times. The style of its architecture is affected by the numerous renovations taken care of by the noble families who have followed one another. Inside there is a bar and restaurant, available for the reception of groups, meetings, banquets and gala dinners.

Sala Baganza - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello Sanvitale

The Sanvitale Castle was built in 1477 at the behest of Gilberto II Sanvitale and is located in the center of the homonymous village. The building was managed by several owners who transformed its structure, such as the Farnese and Bourbons as well as Napoleon Bonaparte after his conquest. The fortress has a long form of parallelepiped with its towers at the extremes. Sectioned into three floors, the external structure also features an access bridge and a city wall that encloses the garden.

Sala Baganza - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Sala Baganza

The Castle of Sala Baganza was home since 1258 of the Sanvitale, Farnese and Bourbon family during the following centuries. It is located near the Baganza stream and immediately played an important role in defending the Parma castles. The structure looks like a long parallelepiped bordered by the remains of two towers at the extremes. The interior rooms show frescoes and decorations of sixteenth-century works by Cesare Baglione, Samacchini and Campi.

Parme - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Pigorini

Even if the building date was built around 1767, from the architectural structure it is assumed that the building is even older. The palace was known for having given birth to two famous personalities: the poet Angelo Mazza and the explorer Vittorio Bottego, in honor of whom on the building we find the two tombstones, precisely on the facade. Today the building is the seat of the Department of Culture of the Municipality of Parma and, often, also an exhibition space for various exhibitions in the locality.

Parme - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzetto Eucherio Sanvitale Giardino Pubblico

The Palazzetto Eucherio Sanvitale is located inside the Parco Ducale di Parma. It was built on Renaissance forms in 1520 by Giorgio da Erba. Inside we can admire some frescoes by Parmigianino such as the “Madonna with Child” and an oil on the wall with scenes from the “Life of the Virgin” of a late Mannerist with landscapes from the end of 1500. The building is among the most visited monuments in the city.

Other Castles, palaces and mansions

Destinations in the province

OUR GUIDES

Guida ufficiale di Visit Italy

Visit Italy Official Guide

Guide officiel de Visit Italy

Guía oficial de Visit Italy

Offizieller Reiseführer von Visit Italy

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Contacts

Terms of use

Covid-19 updates: information for tourists from italia.it

NEWSLETTER