Things to do in Lugagnano Val d'Arda Italy – what to see attractions and activities

Historical references of the Castle of Magnano have been made from the twelfth century when it is cited in Liber Mancassola.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 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 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 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 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 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.

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 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 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.

The building stands on top of a rock to secure a strategic position. Located in the province of Piacenza the Castle of Gropparello, in the Middle Ages has been included in the war between Guelfi and Ghibellines and has been owned by numerous families including Fulgosio, Borri, Anguissola. It 'made up of parts of different ages. The tower is the oldest part and is located on top of the rock, ideal for a tower using for view of possible arrival of armies from the north.

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.

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.

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.

The castle, which dates back to 1550, was a project completed by the imperial architect Domenico Gianelli of Siena, commissioned by Gian Francesco della Veggiola. Despite all the transformations undergone, the ancient elements are still recognizable: the ancient portal, the front front and the furniture with coffered ceilings.

It was built in the twelfth century as a defense for Val Riglio. The whole construction is in stone. In the front there are still the original joints of the bridge and the drawbridge. The property is spread over 27 hectares of park, for a total area of 1100 square meters. Over the past 25 years it has been perfectly renovated keeping its original structure. It is currently private property.

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.

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 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.

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 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 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.

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.