Staying at Vigoleno Castle was a dream! The village of Vigoleno is a tiny enchanted place and its castle is kept as authentic as possible. I’m sure it will bewitch you! Elegant, historic, and delicious, it is the perfect destination for a quick romantic weekend getaway.

As a child, I adored fairy tale princesses, followed their stories with dreamy eyes, and with innocence, I used to say that I would “become” a princess. If only!

Staying at Vigoleno Castle was an opportunity to embrace the child within me and let her come out to play. Spending a night in this beautiful castle was a fantastic experience for me, as I love medieval villages and traditional cuisine. Here, I found all of this at a more than reasonable price.

The Piacenza countryside is wonderful. The landscapes surrounding Vernasca and its hamlet, Vigoleno, resemble postcards featuring valleys and gentle hills, vineyards, and orchards that beautify the scenery. It is a rather remote area and not part of traditional tourist itineraries… even better!

In winter—especially—it is not a crowded destination, and if, like me, you love enjoying your travels in peace, you will adore Vigoleno in this season, away from the hustle and bustle.

The Village of Vigoleno

The village of Vigoleno, certified as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy and awarded the Orange Flag by the Italian Touring Club, is a perfect example of medieval residential logic and stands out for the elegance of its structures.

You enter through a passage between the walls, which are crowned with battlements along the entire perimeter.

The small square is the central point of this charming little village, with a 16th-century fountain in the middle. There is a small souvenir shop that also sells wine and local products, a 12th-century church, a tavern (which I will talk about later, as it was a true revelation!), a post office—all concentrated within a few cobbled streets. But it’s not just for show—Vigoleno is a real village with private residences.

On the evening of my arrival, I found myself walking alone in a peaceful atmosphere, taking a look around the village among the brick houses. You truly feel as if you have stepped back into the Middle Ages.

Vigoleno Castle

A fortified castle, Vigoleno was built for defensive purposes to protect the territory. It has a very imposing tower, designed as a keep to shelter its inhabitants during times of battle. Until the early 1900s, it belonged to the Scotti family of Piacenza.

The entire castle has been meticulously restored and maintained over the years, respecting its historical heritage.

Every weekend, the Keep opens its doors to visitors. For just €6.50, you can explore it entirely, walk along the military walkway, and admire the breathtaking views from the tower’s terrace over the village, the castle, and the surrounding countryside.

The entrance fee also includes a guided tour of the noble floor, where you can visit four rooms: the Red Room, the Blue Room (or Starry Sky Room), the Billiard Room, and the Small Theater. These rooms retain authentic ceilings, period decorations, and some original furniture from different eras.

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The Hotel at Vigoleno Castle

Today, part of the Vigoleno castle has been converted into a hotel, offering rooms designed in the elegance of a bygone era but equipped with all the comforts of modern hospitality!

The furniture is antique but in excellent condition. I was thrilled to stay in one of the suites, featuring a beautiful canopy bed with draped curtains. From my window, I could see the battlements of the walls and the Piacenza countryside.

The rooms are not too large, but they have everything needed for a comfortable stay, with meticulous attention to detail.

Despite the retro style, the hotel provides all modern amenities such as toiletries, a hairdryer, free Wi-Fi, a room with a view, a TV, a kettle, and herbal teas. I highly recommend staying at Vigoleno Castle for a truly unique and unforgettable experience!

Dinner at Vigoleno Castle

In the evening, I dined at the hotel’s restaurant, Ristorante San Giorgio, located inside the castle. The dining room is splendid, decorated with antique furnishings, tapestries, paintings, and a monumental fireplace. The staff, in addition to being very friendly, were highly knowledgeable and recommended some revisited traditional dishes.

The menu features typical Piacenza dishes with a modern twist, local wines, and a romantic setting at a fair price.

For the appetizer, I had “torta fritta” with spalla cotta—similar to Bologna’s crescentine or Modena’s gnocco fritto. The main courses included wild boar with polenta and veal with potatoes, paired with a glass of excellent Gutturnio Superiore wine.

Speaking of wine, there is a very limited production of Vin Santo in the area around the castle. Here, you have the opportunity to taste this traditional Emilian dessert wine made from dried local grapes.

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The Tavern (Bar) of Vigoleno

After dinner, we headed to the tavern, located just beyond the square on the left. At first glance, it appears to be a small village bar where people drink good wine and stay out late. Just a sip of amaro was enough to convince us that we had to return for lunch the next day!

Giacomo, the tavern owner, made us laugh non-stop while serving us. Watching the smiling faces of the patrons lingering inside and outside, we thought, “This place must serve amazing food.”

The next day, I showed up at the tavern around noon to book a table for lunch. There was no space available, but I insisted so much that they couldn’t say no!

We waited, but it was worth it: buffalo ricotta ravioli with black truffle and the region’s signature “tortelli con la coda”—hand-folded pasta filled with ricotta and spinach, shaped to form a “tail.” We had to try them!

The price? Ridiculously affordable! €30 for lunch for two, including an appetizer, two main courses, a quarter-liter of Gutturnio Superiore, and water.

Among other typical dishes, I recommend trying “Pisarei e fasò” (a local pasta with beans), potato cake, or the already-mentioned “torta fritta” with cured meats.

Nearby Attractions

If you haven’t had enough yet, just a few kilometers downhill, you will find the medieval town of Castell’Arquato. A little further away, I also recommend visiting Grazzano Visconti and the beautiful town of Bobbio, home to the legendary Devil’s Bridge!

For more information about this enchanting village, visit http://visitvigoleno.it/.

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