A little further south of the Po river, where the hilly area known for its wines begins, is Zavattarello, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, with its Castle that dominates the valley of the torrents from the top of a sandstone hillock. Morcione and Tidone.
Probably built by the Milanese monastery of S. Ambrogio, in defense of the surrounding territory, it was given at the end of the tenth century to the powerful monastery of San Colombano di Bobbio by Ottone I. In 1169 the fiefdom passed under the control of Piacenza. 1327 the emperor Ludovico il Bavaro grants the castle to the noble of Piacenza origin Manfredo Landi. 1358 sees the castle as the site of the historic meeting, promoted by Gian Galeazzo Visconti, between the Beccaria and Landi families, which resulted in the Lega di Voghera di Pavia. In 1390 the fief and castle became property of the family from the Verme, famous family of condottieri, who kept possession almost uninterrupted until 1975, when the Countess Titina Gavazzi from the Verme gave it to the City of Zavattarello binding the latter to give a cultural destination.
Built in stone, has a compact structure whose walls have a maximum thickness of 4 m, is equipped with fortified ricetto, stables, chapel consists of forty rooms divided into a system with several separate levels, connected by various internal secondary stairs . From the tower and the terrace you can enjoy a breathtaking view over the surrounding area, the countryside, the woods, the hills with the other castles in the area.
Among the various services available today we find the restaurant "Le Scuderie", housed in the fourteen stables, and the "Barino del Castello", a refreshment area immersed in the green park at the foot of the castle, ideal for aperitifs, snacks and relaxation breaks during a walk in the Park or a guided tour.
The garden and the halls are also used as a venue for various kinds of events such as conferences, seminars, fashion shows, shows and courses or for civil and religious ceremonies.

https://www.histouring.com

Castello dal Verme di Zavattarello

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In the Oltrepò Pavese’s Staffora Valley, the medieval town of Varzi is home to a 1164 castle, build by the Malaspina family after inheriting from Frederick Barbarossa the territory from the Rivanazzano Hills to Oramala. The structure is currently owned by the Counts of Odetti di Marcorengo, who in 1983 embarked on a redevelopment process that ended only three years ago, in order to give this gem of architecture back to the community, opening it up to the public.

Today, the castle welcomes guests for events, weddings and local culture initiatives. Its surroundings introduce visitors to renewed splendor: what used to be a vegetable garden is now the wonderful “Garden of the Contessa” and “Limonaia”. The stables have been transformed into “Antique Mangers” that maintain an original arch and stone floors, while the main dining room was created in the old barn. Renovation also extended to the 13th-century ”Antique Ice House” and the cellars, which were used to keep typical local food like wines and cured meat. Once a symbol of the economic and commercial wealth of Varzi, the castle now showcases the gastronomic treasures of the area, including prestigious wines, almond cake, mushrooms and DOP Varzi Salami.

All between folk legends and famous stories, like the one about the castle’s tower, known as “Tower of the Witches”. Some say that during the Inquisition, twenty-five women and a handful of men were imprisoned between the 170-centimeter-thick walls of the tower, accused of witchcraft and later burned at the stake in the square right next to the building.

Should you decide to arrange your wedding party here, between tradition and old stories, the Counts of Odetti di Marcorengo are happy to offer accommodation in the charming wedding suite, the most prestigious room in the castle.

http://www.italianways.com

Castello Malaspina di Varzi

La Rocca d'Olgisio is one of the most ancient fortresses of the Piacentino, as well as an inestimable architectural jewel of incredible complexity. Tradition has it that the castle belonged to a nobleman named Giovannato at the beginning of the 5th century. The earliest certain information that we have received dates back to 1037 when Giovanni, a canon in the cathedral of Piacenza, ceded the property to the monks of San Savino, who maintained it until 1296. For a hundred years, the historically turbulent period was the subject of numerous disputes between nobles and knights, including the Visconti, the Malaspina and the counts Zileni Dal Verme.

During the Second World War it was the headquarters of the second division of the partisan of Piacenza and for this reason it was made the subject of artillery shots and attacks by the German troops in the area.

On the doorframe that allows entry from the third wall in the courtyard is carved the motto Arx fearless (fearless fortress or fortress that fears nothing), this access was equipped until the nineteenth century with a drawbridge and protected by a gate railing. Inside the courtyard there is a well, about fifty meters deep, on which legends of secret passages and escape routes from the castle persist. On the whole, which is very complex, we can see: the oratory, the bell tower, the donjon with frescoed halls and a sixteenth-century lookout gallery.

Outside, just beyond the walls, there are some caves that housed a prehistoric necropolis, are linked to legendary and sacred events: the cave of the saints (Faustina and Liberata), the conscripts and the cypress.

La Rocca, arranged on several levels, with an almost pyramidal development that converges in the central body of the building, the fortress has six orders of defensive walls, which descend down to the valley towards the rivers Tidone and Chiarone. Between the first and second walls, in a group of seventeenth-century rustic houses, there are rooms available as accommodation. Equipped with a kitchenette and a living room with fireplace, they feature ceilings with wooden beams, terracotta floors and period furniture, which give a cozy atmosphere, typical of a home.

The Bengalli family, which has permanently resides here since 1979, manages both the Bed & Breakfast activities and the other services available at the fortress. Receptions, private parties, wedding banquets and cultural events - always with the support of a catering service - find in these spaces a suggestive realization, which among ancient armors, frescoed vaults, objects and original furnishings recall the noble past of ladies and knights.

https://www.histouring.com

Rocca d'Olgisio

Malaspina Castle is on the hill dominating Bobbio, an area rich in historical memories. Above it there was the primitive Ligurian-Celtic Roman site, while the castle was built where S.Petri Basilica was once. Built in 1304 by Corradino Malaspina, during his rule it remained a Ghibelline fortress; afterwards, the towns rule was handed over to a podesta who put it under the protection of the Viscontis. The Viscontis then granted it as fief to the Dal Verme family. In 1545 the castle was transformed into a luxury mansion, afterwards it was purchased by several noble families and it finally became a state possession only in 1956. The external walls, connected to the town wall system, were destroyed throughout the centuries;nothing remains of the dry moat separating the external from the internal walls. Such walls are still visible, together with two drawbridges,on the North-Western and North-Eastern sides. The western side shows remains of the Bishop Tower; S. Petrii Basilica was on its extension, and it was long used by the castle owners as powder-magazine. The square plan donjon rises in the centre of the area, while a circular plan building was subsequently built on the eastern side, on an ancient rampart.

http://turismo.provincia.piacenza.it

Malaspina Castle

Il castello di Pozzol Groppo è un castello situato nel comune di Pozzol Groppo in provincia di Alessandria. È posto su un'altura a 520 m. s.l.m. sullo spartiacque tra la valle Staffora e la val Curone.

Fu edificato alla fine del XII secolo e rinnovato nel XVI secolo dai Malaspina.

Sorge sul luogo di una probabile torre di avvistamento romana facente parte di un sistema di avvistamento che partiva dalla città di Tortona(l’antica Derthona) per risalire le vallate appenniniche. L'edificio è massiccio, sormontato da tre torri merlate, di cui solo la più alta è antica. All'interno si trovano vasti saloni, impreziositi da camini cinquecenteschi con le armi dei Malaspina, soffitti a cassettoni e pregevoli affreschi.

Fino agli anni Settanta era adibito a ristorante mentre oggi è chiuso al pubblico.

Castello di Pozzol Groppo

On the Fornello tower stands from centuries a weatherwave flag of wrought iron with astrl symbol: three eight-pointed stars and an ellipsoidal planet in the middle. The history of this flag is unknown. It’s a perhaps a trace of the old owners, the Sanseverino ancient family, Princes of Naples, alchemist and scholars of the stars. We like to interpret it misssing out the most mysterious part, giving to the star a particular sense.

The star wants to indicate the cardinal points of taste: the north and south, east and west. The four basic tastes of a wine perceived by the tast buds: bitter, sour, sweet and salty, and the various nuances that make it even more complex and interesting tasting. This flag so special and full of symbolism, today has become our logo and corporate brand.

Legend tells that the tower is haunted by the ghost of a young noblewoman, burned at the stake with changes of witchcraft, that is still occasionally walking throught the ancient rooms of the palace.

http://www.torrefornello.it

Torre Fornello

Situated on a hill at about 300 metersabove sea level, along the route from Agazzano to Pianello Val Tidone, in a splendid panoramic position about 30 kilometers from Piacenza, the Castle is mentioned the first time in 1412 when it was enfeoffed to the Arcelli by Visconti

Its strategic position was ideal for the control of the routes running from the Po river to the Apennines.

Built in origin as a military fortress, it underwent numerous modifications and was transformed  to a residence for noble families and became a cultural centre full of precious works of art.

The history of this castle is marked by the numerous passages in property often determined by murders, fraud, or extinction of noble families for lack of heirs. Today the castle is privately owned,  partially abandoned and in need of refurbishment.

The brick castle is quadrangular and has five towers. Inside a monumental staircase leads to the upper floors –  A portico on the ground level and a 17th Century loggia at the upper level . Worthy of mention the grand halls on the first floor with coffer ceiling and decorative frescos: the music room, the dining-room, and a series of lavishly decorated rooms plus a beautiful garden overlooking the valley towards Piacenza.

Lastly, the small chapel dedicated to Saint Joseph with the relics of Saint Felice Martyr.

https://www.poderecasale.com

The Castle of Boffalora 


Rezzanello Castle dominates a splendid panorama, and located a short distance from the cities of Piacenza and Milan. The building dates back to the tenth century and is surrounded by a seven-hectare Centennial Park. All the internal and external environments are particularly suitable for weddings, meetings, concerts, conventions, fashion shows and many other events. Rezzanello Castle has over 2,000 seats heated. BACKGROUND: The castle appears first mentioned in a 1001 document. On this occasion the bishop Sigifredo granted to the Benedictine monks of San Savino (Piacenza) some land, including the area of ​​the Castle. The building has a trapezoidal plan and has four circular towers. A thousand a year goes around the first of the four towers, which only later became four. The Castle was often the scene of clashes and battles. In 1212 the Guelphs of Piacenza took refuge threatened by the Ghibellines Visconti, but were defeated because later defeated in two battles. In the fourteenth century the castle was inhabited by Gabriello Boccapiccina, then passed to Chiapponi family. This extinct in the eighteenth century took over the Scotti of St. George, which deeply readapted the building, transforming it into a stately home. At the beginning of the twentieth century the castle belonged for a short time to Lombardi of Genoa; It was later sold to Ing. Giuseppe Manfredi, who had it restored by Prof. Camillo Guidotti. From 1930 to 1987 the building was the property of the Ursuline Mothers of Piacenza. The current property offers the opportunity today, in deep respect for the tradition and essence of the manor, to live an unforgettable experience to anyone who desires. ENGLISH: Rezzanello Castle dominates a splendid landscape, located a short distance from the cities of Piacenza and Milan. The building dates back to the tenth century and is surrounded by long-established grounds of about seven hectares. All indoor and outdoor environments are well-suited for weddings, meetings, concerts, conventions, fashion shows and many other events. Rezzanello Castle has over 2,000 seats heated. BACKGROUND: The castle Appears first Mentioned in a document from 1001. On this occasion the bishop Sigifredo granted to the Benedictine monks of San Savino (Piacenza) some land, including the area of ​​the Castle. The building has a trapezoidal plan and has four circular towers. Dates from about the year one thousand the first of four towers, Which Became later only four. Often the Castle was the scene of clashes and battles. In 1212 the Guelphs of Piacenza took refuge threatened by the Ghibellines Visconti, but were defeated Because later defeated in two battles. In the fourteenth century the castle was inhabited by Gabriel Boccapiccina, then passed to the family Chiapponi. This extinct in the eighteenth century the Scots took over St. George, who readapted profoundly transforming the building into stately home. At the beginning of the twentieth century the castle belonged to the Lombardi for a short period of Genoa; It was sold to Ing. Joseph Manfredi, who had it restored by Professor Camillo Guidotti. From 1930 to 1987 the building was the property of the Ursuline Mothers of Piacenza. The current property offers the opportunity today, in deep respect for tradition and historical essence of the manor, an unforgettable experience for anyone who wishes.

https://www.itinari.com

Castello di Rezzanello

The Castle of Agazzano is a fortification located in the heart of Val Luretta, where the last hills leave space to the plain; the structure is located right on the edge of the village of Agazzano and is the cornerstone of the most important village of the valley, an ancient property of the Scotti family that still today hold the domino.

The complex consists of two buildings: next to the medieval fortress built in 1200 and equipped in 1475 with a magnificent loggia that softens the military aspect, we find the residential villa built at the end of the eighteenth century on the foundations of the ancient castle.

The fortress has a rectangular plan with round towers and ravelin through which, passing under the entrance dungeon, you enter the inner courtyard where, in addition to the open gallery with sandstone columns, are the large halls, kitchens, military barracks and private apartments. The entire structure represents a successful combination of medieval, austere and essential architecture, and the Renaissance elegance of stately homes. The fortress is then surrounded by a beautiful French garden developed in two levels, where the presence of fountains, statues and exotic plants highlight the charm of a place lost in the past.

Located next to the fortress, a few tens of meters, stands the residential building, built on the ruins of the ancient village, with its porticoed courtyard, frescoed ceilings and luxurious furnishings.

Within this incomparable frame it is possible to transform particular occasions such as weddings, banquets, gala dinners and meetings in unforgettable memories: the wide spaces both inside and outside allow in fact to host a total of 400 people in an environment full of charm, culture and history and have the best services to organize and live events in an extraordinary way.

Castello e Rocca di Agazzano

History
The Castle of Agazzano is a fortification located in the heart of Val Luretta, where the last hills leave space to the plain; the structure is located right on the edge of the village of Agazzano and is the cornerstone of the most important village of the valley, an ancient property of the Scotti family that still today hold the domino.

The complex consists of two buildings: next to the medieval fortress built in 1200 and equipped in 1475 with a magnificent loggia that softens the military aspect, we find the residential villa built at the end of the eighteenth century on the foundations of the ancient castle.

The fortress has a rectangular plan with round towers and ravelin through which, passing under the entrance dungeon, you enter the inner courtyard where, in addition to the open gallery with sandstone columns, are the large halls, kitchens, military barracks and private apartments. The entire structure represents a successful combination of medieval, austere and essential architecture, and the Renaissance elegance of stately homes. The fortress is then surrounded by a beautiful French garden developed in two levels, where the presence of fountains, statues and exotic plants highlight the charm of a place lost in the past.

Located next to the fortress, a few tens of meters, stands the residential building, built on the ruins of the ancient village, with its porticoed courtyard, frescoed ceilings and luxurious furnishings.

Within this incomparable frame it is possible to transform particular occasions such as weddings, banquets, gala dinners and meetings in unforgettable memories: the wide spaces both inside and outside allow in fact to host a total of 400 people in an environment full of charm, culture and history and have the best services to organize and live events in an extraordinary way.

https://www.histouring.com

Castel San Giovanni (Piacentino: Castél San Giuàn) is a town and comune in the province of Piacenza, Emilia-Romagna, Italy.
History
The origins of the town are probably related to an ancient pieve called Olubra and a fortress called Castellus Milonus, which preceded the construction of a new castle by Alberto Scoto in 1290 (now also disappeared).

After a period under the Dal Verme family of lords-condottieri, it became part of the Duchy of Parma and Piacenza in 1485.

Main sights
The Collegiata (14th century), with Baroque portals and a 1496 crucifix by Giacomo del Maino and his son Giovanni Angelo.
Church of San Giovanni Battista (12th century)
Villa Braghieri-Albesani (18th century), with several frescoed rooms.