Castle of Torrechiara — Attraction in Langhirano

Nestled on the hills that build the natural landscapes of the valley of the river Parma, the Castle of Torrechiara is undoubtedly one of the most extraordinary and important castles in Emilia-Romagna, if not in all Italy.

Between 1448 and 1460, “condottiero” Pier Maria II de’ Rossi, a powerful lord of these lands, ordered the construction of this complex on a preexisting fortified building. The structure had to fulfill a double role, a dichotomy of sense and function. On the one hand, it was a military and defensive stronghold for the control of the underlying valley. On the other hand, however, it was the cradle of his love for Bianca Pellegrini di Arturo, known not long before at the Milanese court of the Sforza.

Outside, Torrechiara seems severe and austere, but everything changes as soon as you cross the defensive lines of the castle (there are 3 wall lines with 4 towers).

In fact, the castle is a feast of frescoes. Despite the few pieces of furniture scattered here and there, an ensemble of vivid colours and bizarre figures embellish the entire visit route.

Above all, the Camera d’Oro (Golden Chamber) is the most beautiful room, ascribed with almost absolute certainty to Benedetto Bembo, one of the most skillful and refined interpreters of Gothic art.

Inside, the decorations of the lunettes and of the rib vaults pay homage to the story of Pier Mattia and Bianca Pellegrini. At the same time, Brembo remarks the importance of the House of Rossi, depicting all the castles owned by the family. Moreover, the room features the stems of the two lovers and two hearts with the sentences “Digne et in aeternum” (with dignity and in eternity) and “Nunc et semper” (now and forever), engraving so the eternity of their earthly love

Even the frescoes of the other rooms are remarkable, painted by Cesare Baglioni and his collaborators (Giovanni Antonio Paganino and Innocenzo Martini). They represent grotesque mythological figures, angels, cartouches, and imaginary architecture.

Among the rooms, worth a mention are il Salone Degli Stemmi (Emblem’s room), la sala di Giove (Jupiter’s room), del Pergolato (Arbour’s room), Degli Angeli (Angels’ room). Then, there are the Sala Dei Paesaggi (Landscape’s room), Della Vittoria (Room of Victory), del Velario (Velarium’s room), the hunting and fishing room and, lastly, the magnificent Salone Degli Acrobati (Acrobats’ room).

Last but not least, you definitely should visit the wall walks and look bewildered at all the surrounding territory before abandoning this journey into the Middle Ages and going back to your everyday life.

The Castle of Torrechiara has been declared a “National Monument”, becoming so part of the property of Polo Museale Emilia-Romagna. Few years ago, it became part of the circuit of the Castles of the Duchy of Parma, Piacenza and Pontremoli, which aims at promoting the whole network of castles and noble houses in this territory.

How to get there: 20 km from Parma. About 20 minutes by car or 30 minutes with bus n. 12, which travels to Langhirano every hour, bus stop “Torrechiara”. The time it takes for the visit: 1-2 hours.

Opening times (from October 1st, 2021): Monday to Friday from 9.00am to 5.00pm (last entrance at 4.30pm); Saturday, Sunday and festivities from 9.30am to 5.00pm (last entrance at 4.30pm).

Admission: Full price € 5,00; Concessions € 2,00; Free entrance under 18.

Some photos courtesy of...

Castello di Torrechiara, perched atop a hill in the Parma valley near Langhirano, is an evocative blend of medieval strength and Renaissance elegance.

The castle was constructed between 1448 and 1460 by Pier Maria Rossi, a prominent nobleman and military leader, as both a defensive fortress and a romantic residence for his beloved Bianca Pellegrini.

Its location was originally strategic, commanding sweeping views over the Parma river and the rolling hills embroidered with vineyards, but today it serves as a breathtaking panoramic backdrop for visitors.

The castle’s architecture is striking, with four imposing towers connected by double walls adorned with battlements. At its heart lies the Cortile d’Onore, a grand courtyard that now hosts cultural events and summer performances. The interiors, while largely unfurnished, are richly decorated with frescoes.

The most famous is the Camera d’Oro, or Golden Chamber, where scenes celebrate the love between Pier Maria and Bianca, depicted in a cycle of frescoes attributed to Benedetto Bembo. These artworks are considered among the finest examples of Renaissance bedchamber decoration in Italy.

Exploring the castle, visitors can admire a series of halls and rooms featuring grotesque, naturalistic, and fantastical motifs. The patrol walkways and underground dungeons, occasionally open to the public, offer a glimpse into the castle’s defensive past.

Castello di Torrechiara is not only a monument to military architecture but also a testament to enduring romance and artistic achievement. Its accessibility from Parma makes it a popular day trip, and the surrounding countryside, famed for its food and wine, adds to the allure.

The castle stands out as one of Emilia-Romagna’s most beautiful and well-preserved fortresses, offering visitors a captivating journey through history, art, and legend.

The adjacent medieval village, nestled within the castle’s outer walls, retains its original layout and provides a charming setting...

Castello di Torrechiara is the kind of castle that makes your jaw drop before you've even stepped inside. Perched high above the Parma Valley, its honey-colored stone walls, perfectly preserved towers, and commanding views feel lifted straight from a Renaissance painting. The setting is cinematic, and the approach alone is worth the visit.

Inside, the castle continues to impress with beautifully frescoed rooms, especially the famous Camera d'Oro-a stunning tribute to courtly love, lined with golden light and richly symbolic detail. The blend of military architecture and romantic art is something truly unique. You can feel the story of Pier Maria Rossi and Bianca Pellegrini lingering in every corner.

Whether you're here for the history, the art, or just the breathtaking views of vineyards and hills rolling into the distance, Torrechiara delivers on every front. It's one of the most captivating castles in Italy, and absolutely worth the journey to see...