Things to do in Castel San Giovanni Italy – what to see attractions and activities

The Bastardina Castle is one of the few castles built in the late Middle Ages, already existed in the eleventh century. It was initially owned by the Scotti. It was born on a rectangular territory, where two square towers were built. The third tower, located asymmetrically, is the highest. Instead, today the fourth is used as a bell tower of the nearby oratory. The 2,900 metre hilly course around is used as a golf course. The interior is very elegant, the porch with nine ovens and also the stairs leading to the upper floor.

The history of the castle is linked to that of the Arcelli family. The construction was made with bricks and supported by shelves and consists of five towers. This was a technique used at the beginning of the '400. Between the seventeenth and eighteenth century, the staircase of the porch was built on the ground floor and a loggia on the upper floor. Today the castle can be visited only from the outside.

The Castle of Montecanino was built in the eleventh century in a position that offers a wide view of the Po Valley. It was destroyed in 1164 by Barbarossa but was rebuilt around the fifteenth century, passing ownership to many noble families including the Thirteen. The fortress had six towers, located between the perimeter and the center. Currently, only a few remains remain of the Castle, but in the past it was an imposing building for the defense and collection of the resort.

Of the Castle of Ližnjan, as far as the date of construction is concerned, we do not have certain or accurate information. We only know that, in 1203, he was appointed in some writings. Today it is privately owned and therefore can be visited on request. It is also well preserved.

The castle of Agazzano, together with the Rocca, is the most important points of the valley, of the medieval type. The castle has been renovated to be transformed into a noble home. Inside, it is furnished with period furniture. You can admire pictorial decorations and beautiful frescoes. The castle is an excellent example of history, traditions and culture. It is now privately owned.

The Castle of Gossolengo was built in the late twelfth century. The interior is divided into two square-plan courtyards. Today, the building is part of the heritage of military rule.

The Castle of Torre Rizzi is located on top of the hill of Val Luretta in Piozzano. Initially it was a complex owned by Giovanni and Marco Dolzani and later passed in 1431 to Gian Francesco della Veggiola. The latter expanded the area of the building and transformed it into an elegant and noble residence. After the hanging of della Veggiola, the tower became the property of the Paveri-Fontana and towards the end of the 18th century by the Rizzi.

The Castle of Momeliano or Castel Basini, from the name of the owners, would go back, according to some historical sources, to 1300. Over the years it has often passed in the hands of several owners. Its current state of preservation is good and is open to tourists.

Today it is used as a museum. For centuries owned by the Zanardi Landi family, inside the majestic cylindrical tower it is possible to admire some uniforms used in the Battle of Lepanto. The itinerary offers three more beautiful castles, heading north near Niviano, and to the south with Statto and Montechiaro.

Castano Castle is an ancient fortress owned by the Scotti family. Built in the 13th century, it presents itself as a weave between the majesty of the medieval style and the refinement of the Renaissance. Inside, it still preserves vintage furniture and elegant frescoes. Today it is used as a venue for celebrations and conferences.

The Castle of Caratta is located in the municipality of Gossolengo. The building was built in 1100 by the Malaspina, in Piacenza style. Currently, it is private property and in its environments it houses a farm.

The Castle of Rezzanello is assumed to have been built around the year 1000. It is located in a place detached from the rest of the area, surrounded by greenery. It has a trapezoidal base, with four circular towers. Over the centuries it has often been the backdrop of wars and clashes. It is currently privately owned and is used for events and receptions. It can be visited only on advance request.

The Castle of Monticello was built around the fourteenth century by the Arcelli family, to which it belonged. Over the centuries he was not involved in wars or raids, except in two cases, in 1372 and 1945. Nowadays its state of conservation is excellent and tourists can visit it for free.

There is little news about the Castle of Monteventano regarding its construction. From historical sources it appears that it was rebuilt in the 17th century after it was destroyed in 1164 by Federico Barbarossa. The fortress has been owned by several families over the centuries and is currently the private residence of a German painter. The structure still has its imposing walls and the tower leaning against the residential building. The round tower still stands over thirty meters high that presides over the entrance.

The Castle of Baselica was built in 1400 by Nicolino Tedeschi. The structure belonged to Daniele l Radini, but in the 16th century it passed to the Anguissola. The building has a rectangular structure, with four corner towers.

The Castle of Larzano dates back to the 14th century and belonged to the noble Cassoli of Reggio Emilia, until 1677. The building is located within the resort, which is a hilly area. It is currently in excellent condition and is accessible to tourists.

it is an impressive Renaissance church, whose design has been signed by Alessio Tramello. Built between 1513 and 1533 for the Olivetani monks, in the Napoleonic period it was transformed into a military hospital in 1903 and only reopened for worship

The Museum of Natural History is located in Piacenza, in 2007 the museum was transferred to its current headquarters, and is “led” by science teachers, scholars and groups of naturalists. The core of the collections came from collections kept in the “Romagnosi” Technical Commercial Institute.