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Castles of the Duchy

One day is not enough to discover them all.

In the lands of the ancient Duchy of Parma and Piacenza, a perfect itinerary will take you through over twenty enchanted castles. In this page, we'll tell you some...

Castle of Montechiarugolo

 The castle of Montechiarugolo rises above the Enza river, in the homonymous valley between the provinces of Parma and Reggio Emilia. It was built in the fifteenth century as a defensive outpost and in the following centuries was remodelled, until it became a sumptuous stately home. Legend has it that the ghost of the Fata Bema wanders around the castle's frescoed rooms.

> 5 km from Monticelli Terme

Castle of Torrechiara

 This manor sits atop a rocky hill in Val Parma, just outside the village of Langhirano, home of Parma Ham DOP. It is one of the best preserved castles in the province. The building, dating back to the fifteenth century, has three circles of walls and four corner towers. Be sure not to miss the Golden Room, attributed to Benedetto Bembo, frescoed in honour of the love story between Count Pier Maria Rossi, Lord of the castle, and Bianca Pellegrini.

> 15 km from Monticelli Terme

The Ducal Palace of Colorno

 It has over 400 rooms and courtyards, with pink marble floors and frescoed ceilings. It's surrounded by a French garden, like a miniature Versailles. Particularly worthy of mention are the apartments of the Duke and Duchess, the Great Hall, the new apartment of Duke Ferdinand and the Astronomical Observatory.

> 25 km from Monticelli Terme

The Sanvitale Fortress of Fontanellato

 At the centre of the village of Fontanellato, embraced by a moat full of water, you'll find the Sanvitale Fortress. It houses a room famously painted by Parmigianino in 1524 with the myth of Diana and Atteone, considered one of the masterpieces of Italian Mannerism. Also worth seeing is the noble Sanvitale apartment and the Optical Chamber, the only one still operating in Italy.

> 25 km from Monticelli Terme

Rocca di Soragna

 In the centre of the small town stands the massive Rocca Meli Lupi. Once surrounded by a moat of water, the residence has frescoes and precious works of art, large halls, valuable decorations, furniture and early baroque furnishings. Protected by its walls are the romantic English park with a lovely pond. Prince Diofebo, the last descendant of the Meli Lupi family, still lives in the castle.

> 30 km from Monticelli Terme

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