Emilia Romagna Castles

Quattro Castella hosts four hills, from the east to the west, Monte Vetro, Bianello, Monte Lucio and Monte Zane, on which stood castles. Only Bianello’s castle has remained intact. On the hill of Bianello in the first half of the tenth century there was a tower, but there are certain information from the year 1044. Built on a polygonal plan, the original nucleus consists of the tower on the western side divided into five levels. There are many traces and elements that testify to the various phases of expansion of the castle, including mullioned windows and decorative friezes in terracotta. Just past the entrance there is a small and refined internal courtyard that contains the water collection cistern and the kitchens are completely renovated and interesting. From the neobarocco staircase you enter the main floor where the apartment opens with frescoed rooms and dance halls. In one of the rooms on the ground floor you can see a painting representing Matilda holding the pomegranate flower, symbol of the church. The painting is a nineteenth-century work by the Ugolini artist.

The Castle of Bianello is situated in a protected natural oasis area for plant and animal life of about 1,600,000 sq. metres. It is possible to visit the castle upon guided tour only. Animations and workshops for children and schools can be organized.