Things to do in Gropparello Italy – what to see attractions and activities

The Castle of Gropparello was built between the 8th and 14th centuries. It is located on a rocky peak and is home to a previous Roman castrum. Its function was to defend the road that led to Velleia. In the part below the Castle there is a lush park called the Fairy Tale Park. The building was renovated during different eras, expanding the headquarters for the guard body and the premises for housing.

The first news about the Castle of Olmeto date back to 1216 when it was destroyed by the Parmesan and Cremona militias. During the following centuries it passed into management to several noble families, among which the last was that of the Gandolfi. The building has some remaining parts of the original structure, such as the two circular towers and some traces of the drawbridge. Currently, the Castle is home to a farm.

The Castle of Badagnano dates back to the fourteenth century. The only safe sources are news about the families who lived there. In fact, it was owned by the Dal Pozzo and the Landi until passing to the Tavasca who managed it until 800. Its function was to protect and defend access to the Piacenza valley.

Historical references of the Castle of Magnano have been made from the twelfth century when it is cited in Liber Mancassola. Until the end of the eighteenth century the property remained of the Scotti, and after the marriage with a noble of the Scala, it took the name of Scotti-Scala. The fortress has a particular irregular trapezoidal structure. It is divided into Guelph crenellated walls, a monobloc body, also crowned by battlements, and a main tower consisting of a square plan with internal spiral staircases.

The Castle dates back to the 11th century and initially served as a noble refuge. In 1216 it was rebuilt, and it was occupied by the armed bodies of King Enzio. Later in 1435 he underwent some changes at the hands of Alberto Scotti. Today the castle is visible only from the outside.

Historical news of the Castle of Case Bruciate dates back to the 11th and 14th centuries. It is said that the noble Corrado Confalonieri set a fire involuntarily during a hunting game, and for this reason the building took this denomination. It looks like a structure consisting of three floors with a cylindrical tower on the left side that gives it the title of castrum.

Torre di Masana was built in 1340, it is part of the castle located not far from Case Bruciate. The Castle still preserves one of the four original towers that from the highest point offer a beautiful panorama of the Po Valley and the Prealps.

The Porta di Sasso was built in the '300 and is the only left of the Visconti city. It is erected in stone and brick, on the outside it has a round arch, instead, in the inner one, with a lowered sixth. The property is in excellent condition.

The Farnese Tower is a square tower erected between 1527 and 1535. It was originally used as an outpost keep against enemy armies. Internally it has four floors, connected together by a helical staircase. Today it houses the headquarters of the Gens Innominabilis Arme School of Arms in Castell'Arquato.

The construction of this building was wanted by Alberto Scotti in 1292. The palace was later the seat of the government of the Podestà. Towards the short side of the building is the loggia dei Notari, now the headquarters of the Tourist Information Office. A tower with two clocks, overlooks the whole thing. The Palazzo del Podestà is now often the venue of exhibitions (painting, sculpture, photography, cribs).

The Farnese Tower was built between 1527 and 1535. The building has a square plan structure and was used as an outpost keep against enemy armies. Currently, the Gens Innominabilis Arms School of Arms in Castell'Arquato is located in the rooms of the building.

Among the many monuments of Castell'Arquato is the one that best represents it, a military fortress built by the Visconti between 1342 and 1347 from the top of its keep dominates the ancient village, (one of the most beautiful in Italy) in clearer days you can see an immense plain and in the background the show of the Alps that rise majestic.

The castle was built in 1395 by Giovanni Anguissola, and still belongs to the descendants of his family. The building has a quadrangular structure, consisting of four towers, between which two are cylindrical and two are square. Near the castle there is a small church dedicated to the family and also the park of about 150 000 m². Currently, in its rooms there are artisan shops and dining options.

The Castle of Cerreto Landi, owned by Oberto Landi, has historical news from 1385. After switching ownership to several people of the Landi family, it was sold to Andrea Giacomenti in 1726. The structure consists of a rectangular plan with protruding and angular towers. From the keep there were two entrances connected to the ancient drawbridge, of which nowadays the remains are still preserved.

The Castle of Altoe' is among the most significant and important castles in the area. The structure dates back to 1300 and consists of a crenellated tower and a large entrance with vaulted doors. The building is still well preserved, and is open to tourists and everyone who wants to visit it.

The Castle of Ancarano is located in Rivergaro, in the province of Piacenza. There is no certain information on the date of construction, but according to ancient writings it is assumed to date back to 1466. In 1521 the Castle, and the village also suffered serious damage due to some military attacks by the French and then by the Lanzichenecchi. Despite the whole building is in good condition and the Renaissance artistic elements are clearly visible. Today it is open to tourists.

Historical news of the Castle of Zena dates back to the 13th century when the Castle was destroyed by infantry and knights. Over the centuries the fortress has been owned by several families and from the second half of the 19th century it was owned by the Perotti family. The building consists of six structures that have fulfilled different tasks over the centuries. So we find the Ferraria used for agricultural functions and the second noble residence Casa Scotti.

The Castle of Vigoleno was built in the tenth century as a medieval fortified village. In 1922 it was restored by Princess Ruspoli Gramont, who transformed it into a residence for social meetings with great movie stars. Inside there are museum rooms where historical and photographic documents are exhibited. The Castle enters the list of the most beautiful villages in Italy.

The Castle of Montechiaro stands out for its particular structure and for the fact that it is located isolated from the rest of the town. It has a very tall tower in the middle of the courtyard. It has been used with different functions, exploiting the various cockpits that are inside it. Fortunately, today it is accessible for all tourists and is in excellent condition.

The Tower of Roveleto Landi is located in the municipality of Rivergaro, in the province of Piacenza. Its structure has medieval architecture.

The Paderna Castle was mentioned for the first time in a 9th century document. Since 1453 it was the first stately home of the Marazzani family. Today, the structure is managed by the nobles Pettorelli, and is used for various events and ceremonies.

In the town of Rivergaro there are a multitude of castles, including that of Niviano. It is assumed that this building was built in the Middle Ages, around the year 1100 on pre-existing buildings. It was heavily damaged in the sixteenth century by a raid. Nevertheless, it is in excellent condition and is open to the public.

The Tower of Bobbiano located in Emilia Romagna was built on the rubble of a pre-existing tower and is extended on a small hill. The structure is typical medieval. The nobles Anguissola were the owners of the tower.

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.

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 San Polo is assumed to date back to the fourteenth century and was owned by Guglielmo Landi. In the eighteenth century it was transformed into a prison by Austrian soldiers, then between the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries it became a residential building. Unfortunately, today it is a structure in total state of neglect and dangerous.

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.

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 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.

The Maggia Castle dates back to the Middle Ages and was initially owned by Filippino Confalonieri. Later it switched to several owners. Currently, the tower, which is part of the structure, is used as an agricultural court. Fortunately, it is in excellent condition and open to tourists.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.