Emilia Romagna Castles

The Castle Pallavicino of Varano De' Melegari stands on a sandstone rock, in a strategic position for the control of the Ceno valley (on the Parma Apennines, in Emilia) and represents an extraordinary example of medieval defensive architecture: a fortress designed and built to be impregnable.

The stronghold, belonging to the Castelli del Ducato circuit, can be visited through guided tours, led by guides in medieval style clothes; in addition to the garden and the courtyard, you can visit the ancient keep, at the base of which is the infamous Bentivoglio Prison, the fifteenth-century wing with the Sala delle Armi, the patrol walkways, the panoramic terrace, the kitchens, the elegant eighteenth-century staircase, the study and the magnificent frescoed Hall of Honor. On special occasions, such as visits at night, the basement of the fortress is also open to the public.