Rocca di Vignola

"La Rocca" is probably the most important and beloved symbol of geographical and cultural identity for the people of Vignola.
It is also a sign of cultural uniqueness in Vignola's historical experience, as well as in the past of the whole surrounding area at the foot of the mountains, where the Emilian cultural basis combined with several different contributions. The multiple variations that can be observed in the "Rocca" reveal this melting pot of Italian and even European influences.

There are five levels in the "Rocca". Two magnificent halls in the underground, called Contrari Hall (Sala dei Contrari) and Grassoni Hall (Sala dei Grassoni), are employed for conferences and concerts.
The ground floor consists of three reception rooms for state occasions, called Lions and Leopards Hall (Sala dei Leoni e dei Leopardi), Doves Hall (Sala delle Colombe), Rings Hall (Sala degli Anelli), while the ancient kitchen is transformed to the Book-shop.
The private rooms of the family were on the first floor, the "piano nobile": the Dames Hall (Sala delle Dame), the Pavilion Hall (Sala del Padiglione), the Emblems Hall (Sala degli Stemmi), the Tree Trunks Hall (Sala dei Tronchi d'Albero), Uguccione Contrari's Study (Studio di Uguccione Contrari) and the Chapel, with its precious "International Gothic" ("Tardogotici") frescos by the unknown painter called as "Maestro di Vignola". The second floor's Rooms of the Soldiers (Sale degli Armigeri) were used by the troops stationed in the "Rocca" and by the servants.

The highest floor consists of the walkways, running all around the building to link the three towers: Nonantola Tower (Torre Nonantolana), Women's Tower (Torre delle Donne), Paintbrush Tower (Torre del Pennello).

"La Rocca" was bought in 1965 by the bank Cassa di Risparmio di Vignola, then handed over to Foundation of Vignola (Fondazione di Vignola) in 1998. Its architectural structure as well as its frescos decoration has been accurately restored since then, in order to make every space accessible and enjoyable to the visitors.

"La Rocca" provides now a prestigious venue for cultural high-level projects, not only for Vignola, but also for the whole area of Modena and the neighbouring provinces, such as Bologna and Reggio Emilia.
Over the last years, Fondazione di Vignola has been cooperative with local authorities to implement a broad events organization promoting this geographical area in general and boosting Vignola on a wider international cultural circuit.