Castles of the Duchy of Parma and Piacenza
Castles well worth a visit when coming to Tabiano Terme:
Castell’Arquato:
In the province of Piacenza, the village of Castell’Arquato has been recognised as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy and, in 1985, was the setting for some scenes in the film, Ladyhawke. Of interest to visitors is the red brick Rocca Viscontea, built between 1342 and 1349 and, from 1466 to 1707, the property of the Sforza family; also the 42-metre-high donjon that defends the town.
Vigoleno Castle:
To be admired in the ancient medieval village of Vigoleno, the defence system is still intact, a perfect example of the period. The donjon, the patrol walkway, the walls and the ice cistern have survived to this day.
Castle of Fontanellato:
The large moat full of water that still surrounds the Castle gives the visitor an authentic image of the period. The Rocca Sanvitale of Fontanellato contains one of the masterpieces of Parmigianino, a leading artist of Mannerism: the Camera Picta, showing the myth of Diana and Actaeon. It is also home to the only functioning Camera Ottica in Italy, where a trick of mirrors allows visitors to admire the square in front of them, reflected on a screen.
Soragna Castle:
The Fortress is still the residence of the Meli Lupi Princes, from whom it takes its name. The extraordinary rooms, embellished with Baroque furniture and furnishings, the Throne Room, the Bridal Chamber, the pictorial cycles, the corridor of mirrors and the galleries make it one of the most popular locations for weddings, business meetings and prestigious conferences.
Torrechiara Castle:
Also part of the set of the famous film, Ladyhawke, it was built between 1448 and 1460 by Pier Maria Rossi, for defensive purposes and was the backdrop to the love story between the latter and Bianca Pellegrini. Their love story, in full epic-chivalric style, is narrated in the most famous frescoes in the Castle: from the Golden Room to the wedding room.
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Castles, cities of art, historical sites, parks and places of worship: discover what the Tabiano Terme area has to offer
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