Castles and burgs for every taste. Italy

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In April 2003 during the days of Easter, when millions of tourists travel the highways of Italy usually from north to south, we decided to go against the tide and take the A1 heading North from Bologna to Parma. I must say that our decision has proved azzeccatissima because we did not lose even a minute or slowdowns in code, as opposed to those who went in the opposite direction, but not all, we visited the castles and villages away from the crowds enjoying every corner, immersed in medieval atmosphere skillfully recreated by groups of Renaissance dances, figures and historical groups and, in addition to the places we enjoyed in the true sense of the word those delicacies of the area as the staple and culatello di Parma, salame di Felino, parmesan cheese, all washed down the hills of Parma Malvasia. The area between Parma and Piacenza offers a wide variety of historic houses, almost all with entry fee (3 to 6 euros), including a guided tour, it is interesting that some castles are open in the evening you can visit as many possible: www.castellidelducato.it-www.parmaitaly.com - www.nelparmense.it We stayed at 'Hotel Verdi in Fontanellato, where newly arrived in the evening, we attended the evening visit the Fortress of Sanvitale. Here it is accompanied in the rooms of the fort dating back to 1200, furnished and full of furniture that cover several centuries of history and inspired by scenes and moments of daily life. Later appearing in costume belonging to the school of historical dances of the country, performing some Renaissance dances, making even more impressive that the tour reaches its climax in the room of Diana and Actaeon at the frescoes by Parmigianino twenties. The camera optics, which through a play of prismatic crystals could see the room reflected the village square, you can visit only during the day. At the end of the visit, a welcome buffet offered by made us satisfied and happy and ready to face the day after the visit to "Little Versailles" or the Palace of Colorno in Parma. The Palace of Colorno is a beautiful monument, however, stripped of everything that was inside, the various rulers who have succeeded by then in Italy. Nevertheless, even if only through stucco and frescoes, a cultured and capable leadership has managed to make us relive the atmosphere of intrigue with her and loves to court and make us admire the great personality of Marie Louise of Austria, widow of Napoleon , who has lived and reigned for 30 years. If the day is sunny, you can then enjoy the beautiful garden at the French. If you prefer a stronghold of the 1100 structure with crenellated double drawbridge and then transformed into a residence by the great writer Pomponio Torelli, then there is the Castle of Montechiarugolo. Worthy of note is the small balcony to the valley of the river Enza. There are also those who would have actually lived in the days of knights and ladies and then I advice to book a night at the Rocca di San Secondo (usually the last Saturday of the month and the Easter season) where the scene goes into a beautiful and evocative historical, cross-section of a life time of Giovanni delle Bande Nere and Pietro Aretino, placed in courtyards, in the porches of the rock and finally into the great hall of honor filled with frescoes. If you are not convinced, however, very carefully because ... .. a little 'long. For those who love the mystery is the Castello di Bardi with her stories and sightings of ghosts and the prisons in which it is set up a permanent exhibition on torture. Bardi is a 'center of the castles in the hills of Parma, as it is situated in the approximately 60 km. from Parma (PR-SP A15 exit Fornovo Taro then follow the signs) but worth a visit especially at Easter or Easter when an event is organized by the medieval market, flag-wavers, archers, parades, races and duels. If you are not tired, do not miss is the Castle of Vigoleno one of the most interesting fortified complex still intact from the fourteenth century. The castle was built in the tenth century and later adapted by taking the current form in 1389. E 'a rare example of a defensive unit system, consisting of the castle and the village still intact with the gateway call ravelin fortified tower and a square entrance. The place is fascinating. The large front door and the walls seem to retain the atmosphere of ancient times, which must not disappear once you are in the village square in front of the fountain behind the massive keep, and not disappear even after climbed the tower, along the walkways or from observing slits the hills and Val Stirone. Moving into the area of Piacentino, we spent a morning at Castell'Arquato, a small medieval village perfectly kept, but in reality the feeling that has given us is something too rebuilt. The only thing worthy of note was to keep on board admire from the village. Also in the area of Piacenza is located on Castle Gropparello that deserves a speech and how we have done, apart from a visit, especially for those with children. And 'necessary because the whole day for children to live by habit, routes and guided activities, a day in the world of knights, ladies, ogres, goblins, witches and fairies. I will not go into further description but for those interested the website is: www.castellodigropparello.it Of course we have a selection of castles to visit in three days but the provinces of Parma and Piacenza offer about twenty villages and historic houses everyone worthy of note.
Hilary