“Castles of Women” is an itinerary connecting seven municipalities in Emilia through castles linked to powerful female figures, whose stories have shaped Italy and Emilia-Romagna.
The route includes castles in the Terre di Canossa and fortresses in the Castles of the Duchy network, celebrating the historical contribution of these women.

The first figure is the famous Matilda of Canossa, the countess who hosted the meeting between Pope Gregory VII and Emperor Henry IV in her castle, where the historic “Pardon” took place, famously known worldwide with the phrase “Road to Canossa“, in italian “Andare a Canossa” (which has even become a figurative expression in current Italian, meaning “to humble oneself, bend before an enemy, retract, admit wrongdoing, or make an act of submission,” originating from the historic event that took place here in 1077).

Among other important women we will discuss in this article: Beatrice of Lorraine, Bianca Pellegrini, Maria Luigia of Austria, Maria Bertolani Del Rio, and Barbara Sanseverino.

The subject of castles and female figures from history fascinated me greatly, and as soon as I found this itinerary, I sought to summarize in one article each castle of the route with its “key woman,” providing some historical details about their lives, deeds, and vicissitudes.

Personally, I have only partially followed the route, but it is my full intention to complete the visit and see the other castles I have not personally visited, as they are all very fascinating!

Canossa Castle

The remains of Canossa Castle are reduced to a limited portion of the area that was once fortified, now eroded by land erosion, with only a few walls rising in the Reggio Emilia Apennines atop a sandstone cliff.
The surrounding landscape and the historical events that took place here make it a very evocative location.
The castle was built around 940 A.D. by the Lombard Adalberto Atto (Matilda’s great-grandfather and first Count of Mantua) and became the strategic heart of a complex defensive system to control the Apennine valleys and the Reggio plain.
In 1878, Canossa Castle was purchased by the Italian government and declared a National Monument.

Matilda of Canossa

Matilda of Canossa (1046-1115) is one of the most significant figures of Italian Medieval history. The sole heir of her father Boniface, she inherited all his possessions at the age of 9. Famous for her strength and leadership skills, she was also a key figure in the dispute between Pope Gregory VII and Emperor Henry IV.
After Henry was excommunicated, he sought forgiveness at Canossa Castle, where Matilda was hosting the Pope. Henry waited three days and three nights in the snow before being received thanks to Matilda’s intercession.
Under her guidance, the Canossa domain expanded over Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, and Tuscany, with Canossa Castle as the center of power.

Rossena Castle

Located just 4 km from Canossa Castle, Rossena Castle was also built in 960 by Matilda’s great-grandfather, Count Adalberto Atto.
It is an extraordinary architectural gem that rises atop a hill, visible even from the road and surrounded by a fairytale panorama.
Rossena Castle is usually open for visits, but it is also possible to stay there as it has been converted into a hostel with 54 beds.
Moreover, the castle often hosts conferences, ceremonies, and seminars with guests from all over Italy, thanks to its panoramic views, the peace of the surrounding hills, and the beauty of the historical village of Rossena, which creates an enchanting atmosphere, perfect for those wishing for a restful period immersed in the Apennines.

Carpineti Castle

Carpineti Castle, located along the Secchia River on Mount Antognano, was part of Matilda of Canossa’s domain and served a defensive role thanks to its strategic position. During Matilda’s reign, it became a preferred location to host important figures such as popes, emperors, and dukes to discuss the fate of Italy.
After the 1077 Canossa meeting, Pope Gregory VII was received here, as was the Bishop of Lucca, Anselmo, in 1082. In 1092, Matilda convened a council of bishops, prelates, and monks in the castle to discuss the war against heretics.

Picture by castlesoftheworld.com

Bianello Castle

The town of Quattro Castella, where the castle is located, takes its name from four castles built on as many hills. Starting from the east, one encounters Monte Vetro, Bianello, Monte Lucio, and Monte Zane, all part of the defensive system of the Canossa domains.
Only Bianello Castle remains mostly intact today, located in a protected natural park of 160 hectares.
Matilda is said to have loved this castle and frequently resided there.

At Bianello Castle, Count Henry IV was hosted by Matilda before the 1077 meeting; in 1111, Henry V, after his coronation in Rome, proclaimed Matilda as imperial vicar in Italy.

Picture by castelliemiliaromagna.it

Picture from wikipedia

Colorno Ducal Palace (or Colorno Royal Palace)

The Colorno Palace is also called the Versailles of Parma, as it bears a striking resemblance!
Recently, some rooms of the Colorno Palace have been refurbished with historical furniture, some original and others compatible with the era, giving the structure an extraordinary elegance.
There are more than 400 rooms, most with pink marble floors and frescoed ceilings.
Among the women of charm and power who have lived in the Colorno Palace: Barbara Sanseverino, Queen Elisabeth Farnese, Maria Amalia of Habsburg, and Maria Luisa of Habsburg-Lorraine, Duchess of Parma, Piacenza, and Guastalla.

Picture from baroque.it

Barbara Sanseverino

Barbara Sanseverino, the reference woman of the palace, was the wife of Giberto Sanvitale and became the Marchioness of Colorno. Barbara was educated, beautiful, and independent. She was married at 14 but eventually distanced herself from her husband and started traveling, becoming a prominent figure in the social life of Italian courts.

After her husband’s death, she remarried Count Orazio Simonetta and returned to Colorno, which she considered home.
However, conspiracies and intrigues struck Colorno, orchestrated by the Duke of Parma, who sought to seize the estate. Gradually, Barbara, her children, grandchildren, and second husband became victims of the Duke’s plans.

On May 19, 1612, Barbara Sanseverino was executed in public, and as a final insult, the executioner allegedly lifted her skirts and spanked her, a final humiliation by the Duke of Parma.

Sanvitale Fortress

The Sanvitale Fortress, located in the center of Sala Baganza (Parma), dominates the town square. It belonged to the Sanvitale family from the 13th century until the early 1600s when it passed to the Farnese.
Originally conceived as a noble residence, it played an important role in the defensive system of the Parma castles.
Surrounded by the large Farnese Garden, now a restored public park, the fortress served as a residence for guests of the Parma Nobles’ College from 1676, although it suffered gradual decay.
In the 18th century, it enjoyed a renewed period of splendor thanks to Maria Amalia of Habsburg, the consort Duchess, and dominant figure of the Duchy, who chose it as her residence for her passions, such as hunting.

Picture from tgtourism.tv

Torrechiara Castle

Torrechiara Castle, set in a strategic location in the Parma hills, is an example of the beauty and grandeur of a 15th-century fortress.
It was built by the noble Rossi family. The castle offers panoramic views of the surrounding valley and is adorned with beautiful frescoes and historical works of art.
One of the most famous women connected to this castle is Bianca Pellegrini, the beloved of Pier Maria Rossi, whose love story still lives on in the beauty of Torrechiara’s rooms. The frescoes in the castle document this story of passion and intrigue, where Bianca is immortalized as the beautiful and noble lady of the house.

To know more about Torrechiara Castle, reed here my post

Sarzano Castle

Sarzano Castle is one of the least known yet charming castles in the Emilia-Romagna region. It is located in a secluded position in the province of Piacenza, surrounded by the magnificent natural setting of the Apennines. The Sarzano fortress dates back to the 11th century.
It is the place where Maria Bertolani Del Rio, an important figure of the era, spent part of her life. She was an author, philanthropist, and patron of the arts who founded a school for girls and helped promote cultural and educational progress in her region.

A curiosity related to the castle concerns the famous actor Christopher Lee, known for his roles as Dracula and Saruman, who was the eleventh Marquis of Sarzano, inheriting the title from his Carandini family, originally from the area.

Maria Bertolani Del Rio

Maria Bertolani Del Rio, from the 17th century, made a significant contribution to the development of education and the cultural life of Emilia. She was particularly notable for her advocacy of women’s rights and the education of girls in Italy during an era when women’s voices were often silenced.
Maria’s influence continues to be remembered in the region.

Do you want to ask me for advice, share your opinions, suggest something to do or see, or simply… say hello?

Leave me a comment below or,

I’ll be waiting for you on my FACEBOOK page LETYGOESON

on the INSTAGRAM profile @letygoeson

Or follow me on Pinterest so you will not miss any of my travel articles, itineraries, tips, and food recommendations.

See you there!