Food lovers venture to the Parma region for its exceptional culinary delights, including Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, Prosciutto di Parma ham, and Lambrusco wine. It’s also a favorite among cyclists due to its relatively flat terrain, making it easy to explore the area on two wheels.
However, the Parma area has more to offer than just delicious food and biking routes; it boasts some stunning historic castles that dot the picturesque countryside. Here are five of my favorite castles near Parma:
Torrechiara Castle
This stunning castle, nearly 600 years old, is located in the Langhirano hills, about 10 miles from Parma. Open year-round to visitors, it was commissioned by Pier Maria Rossi in the 15th century as a residence for his noble wife, Bianca Pellegrino Arluno. The castle’s beautifully frescoed rooms and overall architecture have remained well-preserved through the centuries. One of the highlights is the “Camera d’Oro” (Golden Chamber), which features an impressive depiction of Bianca as a pilgrim against the backdrop of their feudal estates.
The photo above provides a glimpse of its beauty, but for details on opening hours, ticket prices, guided tours, and more, here’s everything you need to know about Torrechiara.
Bardi Castle
Regarded as a premier example of military architecture in the region, Bardi Castle was constructed over 800 years ago; however, the site has had some form of fortress for over a millennium. Visitors can explore rooms adorned for Renaissance nobility, as well as dungeons, lookout towers, and soldiers’ quarters, including a torture chamber. The castle also features a small archaeological museum, alongside works by 20th-century artist Vittorio Ferrarini and a collection of Eastern European artworks from the same era.
You can find plenty of information about visiting Bardi here.
Fontanellato Castle
This 15th-century castle is centrally located in a small town and features an actual moat surrounding it. Despite significant architectural alterations over the years—including the removal of three entire wings during Napoleon’s time—it still retains some hidden treasures. Make sure to explore its magnificent frescoes and visit the spy tower, where you can use a series of lenses and prisms to observe the happenings in the town square. Additionally, the nearby Farnesian Garden has been beautifully restored and serves as a lush public park.
For more information about visiting the Rocca San Vitale in Fontanellato, check here.
Roccabianca Castle
Unless you visit on a summer weekend, a guided tour is necessary to explore Roccabianca Castle, but it’s definitely worth planning for. This 500-year-old castle was also commissioned by Pier Maria Rossi, known for Torrechiara Castle, as a gift for his mistress, Bianca Pellegrini. Inside, visitors can admire stunning paintings and frescoes, and view where cured meats were hung and balsamic vinegar aged, thanks to Cavalier Mario Scaltriti, who bought the property in the 1960s to use it as a cellar for his distilleries. The distillery’s museum remains on the premises.
For more information about Roccabianca, check here.
Rivalta Castle
Rivalta Castle is a delightful destination, beautifully maintained from the outside and surrounded by a large park. Inside, visitors can explore a luxurious residence that features a grand hall, billiard room, bedrooms, kitchen, and the customary dungeons found on castle tours. If you’re in the area for New Year’s Eve, consider attending the dinner and entertainment event, which is known to be an entertaining experience.
Discover more about Rivalta here.
Remember, castles can be quite cool, making them a refreshing escape on a hot summer day. However, if you visit during cooler months, it’s wise to bring a sweater. Always verify the opening days and hours, as well as whether a guided tour is needed to explore the interior. If you’re taking the whole family, here are some suggestions for visiting castles with kids in Italy.
