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Castle of Roccabianca: A Love Story in Stone

Discover the Castle of Roccabianca, a 15th-century fortress with a love story, art, and a distillery museum in the heart of Emilia-Romagna.

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The Castle of Roccabianca, or Rocca dei Rossi, is a 15th-century castle in Roccabianca, built by Pier Maria Rossi for his beloved Bianca Pellegrini. This lowland castle features a central courtyard, towers, and a keep, and it now houses the Distillery Museum.

A brief summary to Castle of Roccabianca

Local tips

  • Visit in the autumn to see the American vine covering the courtyard walls turn vibrant shades of red.
  • Climb to the top of the keep for 360-degree views; on clear days, you might see the Torrazzo of Cremona.
  • Don't miss the Griselda's Room, featuring frescoes inspired by Boccaccio's Decameron.
  • Explore the Museum of Distilling and sample local spirits and liqueurs.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Castle of Roccabianca is located in the center of Roccabianca, easily accessible on foot from most points in the town. From Piazza Minozzi, the old market square, walk along Piazza Garibaldi to reach the castle entrance. The walk is short and straightforward.

  • Public Transport

    If arriving by bus from Parma , disembark at the Roccabianca bus stop. From there, walk along the main road into the town center, following signs for the castle. The walk is approximately 10-15 minutes. Bus tickets from Parma to Roccabianca cost approximately €2-€4.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available from Parma to Roccabianca. The journey takes around 30 minutes and costs approximately €45-€55. Once in Roccabianca, the taxi can drop you off directly at Piazza Garibaldi, in front of the castle.

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Discover more about Castle of Roccabianca

The Castle of Roccabianca, also known as Rocca dei Rossi, stands as a testament to a powerful love story in the heart of Emilia-Romagna. Built in 1460 by Pier Maria Rossi, the lord of San Secondo, the castle was a gift to his mistress, Bianca Pellegrini. The castle, a typical example of the Bassa Parmigiana plain architecture, features a geometric layout with a central courtyard and imposing towers. Throughout its history, the castle has passed through the hands of several noble families, including the Pallavicino and Rangoni families. Each family left their mark on the castle, with splendid frescoes and decorations adorning the rooms. The castle's walls have witnessed both prosperity and conflict, with periods of splendor followed by neglect and alteration. In the 20th century, the castle was even used as an aging cellar for a local distillery before being restored and opened to the public in 2002. Today, visitors can explore the castle's rich history and admire its artistic treasures. Highlights include the Griselda's Room, which features a cycle of paintings inspired by Boccaccio's Decameron. The castle also houses the Museum of Distilling, where visitors can learn about local spirits and sample regional delicacies. A climb to the top of the keep offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, and on a clear day, you might even spot the Torrazzo of Cremona. The castle hosts cultural and private events, continuing its legacy as a vibrant landmark.

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