Castles of the Nure and Chero Valleys
The castles that are such a characteristic part of the artistic and cultural landscape of the Nure and Chero valleys, and which at one time formed a dense defensive network, remind us of a past marked by bloody conflicts between the local families. Today most of the castles in the Nure and Chero valleys are private homes. Nevertheless, it is still worth planning a trip to discover them as many are interesting architecturally and are situated in panoramic postions from which you can admire all the beauty of the countryside.
Rocca or fortress of San Giorgio at San Giorgio Piacentino
The Rocca or fortress of San Giorgio stands in the fertile plain of Piacenza, on the edge of the town of San Giorgio Piacentino, and is an ideal setting for events, conferences and weddings, while guided visits are available on request.
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+39 338 4425646
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Zena Castel at Zena near Carpaneto
The ancient fortress, transformed over the centuries into a comfortable and elegant dwelling, is only part of a complex of historical buildings within a large park ....
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+39 0523 851001
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The fortification at Olmeto near Badagnano
The old edifice, altered over the centuries, is today a private home and the centre of a farm and wine estate.
Minor fortification in a strategic position
Today this building is privately owned and not open to the public. It stands in a strategic position to control the bridge over the Chero and to exact customs duties.
Palazzo Scotti, formerly the Castle of Carpaneto
Today used as the Town Hall of Carpaneto Piacentino
At Ciriano near Carpaneto
An old castle transformed today into a private home. It is never open to visitors.
An imposing construction in the pretty mediaeval village of Riva
The castle, on the right bank of the River Nure, has a fine strategic position that in the past gave it
control of the road along the Nure valley.
Of mediaeval origin, the building was transformed into a villa in the 18th century. Today it belongs to the Region of Emilia-Romagna and is not open to visitors.
First built in the 10th century, the castle has suffered many alterations as well as bloody exchanges. Thanks to extensive restoration it is now in excellent condition and today serves as the town hall and library.
The castle, constructed in a strategic position, dominates the Nure and Riglio valleys.
The fortress, which today is an agriturismo, dominates the old village of Fulignano.
The castle is in an excellent state of preservation and its massive bulk dominates a stretch of the Riglio valley. Today it is privately owned and is not open to visitors.
This building is privately owned and is not open to the public. Its present appearance is the result of restorations at the end of the 19th century.
The castle was built for defensive purposes in the Middle Ages and made still more powerful by Gian Galeazzo Visconti. It became the summer residence of the Salvatico family in the 18th century.
Founded in the Middle Ages, the Castle of Tollara has been transformed into a farm and is not open to visitors.
The imposing fortress, the heart of the defensive system of the Nicelli, was turned into a gracious country home in the 16th century with the addition of elegant loggias. Today it is privately owned and not open to visitors.
This imposing construction formed part of the defensive system of the Nicelli. Today the tower is privately owned and is not open to visitors.
at Pradello near Bettola
The tower belonged to the family of the great discoverer. Many believe that the Admiral of the Ocean Sea was actually born here.
It is now open to visitors on special occasions or by appointment.
Watchtower in the area of Farini
An isolated watch tower in the woods of Mount Burrasca near the hamlet of Cà dell'Oste.
The original nucleus of the castle was probably a tower erected in the middle of the 13th century, under the Confalonieri lords. Today it is private property and open to visitors only on special occasions.
Selva di Groppallo (Farini)
A crenellated tower that stands in an isolated position in the area of Selva di Groppallo.
The history of the fortress is linked to that of the principal families of the area
The Rocca or Castle of Pradovera no longer exists but its troubled history is linked to the powerful families of the valley and to significant personalities of local history.
The Castle stood on the site occupied today by the Villa Della Cella. Probably it was the monks of San Savino who built the fortification to defend their lands in the area. It then belonged to various families
Villa Maggia
Less than half a kilometre from the industrial centre of the valley stands the old castle of Gariga. It is privately owned and is not open to visitors.
Towers and fortresses in the area of Farini
The tower of the Ghezzi rises all alone in the district of Cogno San Bassano.