Castell’Arquato,in the Piacenza area, is one of the “Borghi Bandiera Arancione” of the Touring Club Italiano. A pedestrian town made up of towers and palaces that tell stories of knights, princesses, and jesters. Walking through its cobbled streets, it feels as if you are suspended in another era, as if the village is waiting for you, ready to reveal its secrets.
In this article, I will guide you to discover Castell’Arquato, recommending unmissable stops and typical local specialties to taste!

In 1949, Cesare Pavese wrote in La Luna e i Falò: “A country means not being alone, knowing that in the people, in the plants, in the earth there is something of yours, something that, even when you are not there, stays there waiting for you.”

In Emilia-Romagna, Castell’Arquato is one of the “Borghi Bandiera Arancione” of the Touring Club Italiano. The reason for this is obvious at first sight, as upon arriving by car to the historic walls – because the village is pedestrian – you immediately see the medieval characteristics you would expect: towers, battlements, and noble palaces!

Visiting this medieval village felt like approaching a country that is there waiting for you to discover its winding cobbled streets, walking uphill and downhill, immersing yourself in an atmosphere outside of time.

The Authentic Beauty of Castell’Arquato

To reach Castell’Arquato, located about 30 km from Piacenza and Parma, you must exit at the Fiorenzuola D’Arda tollbooth, in the area of the Piacenza hills, a land of green hills, historic villages, and fairy-tale castles. This medieval village, built around the 10th century, is one of the best-preserved examples in Italy, maintaining its original appearance intact.

Italy is dotted with little-known towns, like Castell’Arquato, that have not yet been invaded by mass tourism but are waiting to be discovered almost by chance, enveloped by a secret and magical atmosphere. On a quiet, cloudy Sunday, we were among the few visitors wandering through the village’s streets, admiring the medieval architecture and the warm hospitality of its inhabitants.

What to See in Castell’Arquato

The main attractions of Castell’Arquato are its unmissable castle: the Rocca Viscontea, as well as the Palazzo del Podestà and the Palazzo del Duca, all built starting from 1292. The literary atmosphere of this Piacenza village is such that one of Italo Calvino’s fictional knights, Agilulfo, a character much loved by Sergio Leone, suddenly appears in my imagination. His peculiarity was being nonexistent, yet living only through his willpower and quest for perfection.

As I ventured toward the Rocca Viscontea, the Collegiata di Santa Maria, and the Palazzo del Podestà, I almost wondered if this enchanting village, too, were like Agilulfo: nonexistent yet tangible, almost with a will of its own.

Collegiata di Santa Maria

The Collegiata di Santa Maria was first built in the 8th century when Magno had it constructed along with the Rocca. However, a violent earthquake destroyed the church, and it had to be completely rebuilt in the 12th century.

The church, in Romanesque style, appears simple at first glance, but inside, you can admire several 12th-century sculptures and beautiful frescoes, as well as two chapels with different artistic styles rediscovered only in the late 1800s.

Palazzo del Podestà

The Palazzo del Podestà, this imposing ancient structure, was first built in 1292 and has been altered several times since. Its peculiarity is that it is made entirely of terracotta bricks with crow-stepped gables, a typical medieval architectural feature. From the 16th century until 1850, the Palazzo del Podestà in Castell’Arquato is also characterized by a suggestive and imposing staircase that leads to the upper floors, where the rooms where the Podestà’s activities took place used to be.
On the side, there is the “loggia delle grida,” a space where municipal proclamations were made.

Ducal palace

The Palazzo del Duca, or Ducal Palace, was built in 1292 by Alberto Scoto.

The palace is connected to the adjacent Torrione Farnese by an underground tunnel. The Torrione, made entirely of brick, is a typical medieval military structure. Although it is unclear when the tower was originally built, it is believed to predate the 16th century.

Events in Castell’Arquato

The Medieval Festival of the village: “Relive the Middle Ages”: in a particularly evocative atmosphere, every first weekend of September (Saturday and Sunday), this historical reenactment takes place, with medieval shows, games, and food stands offering local specialties.
For more information: https://www.riviviilmedioevo.it/

Monterosso Festival: In mid-April, it’s time to celebrate the king of white wines produced in the area with an event that brings together the best products of the Val d’Arda. Along the streets of the village, you can taste Monterosso and recognize its nuances with the help of sommeliers from the local Enoteca.
For more information: http://www.monterossofestival.it/

Around Castell’Arquato

If you’re not yet satisfied with medieval gems, nearby Castell’Arquato you’ll find other hidden treasures in the Piacenza hills that will captivate you: the charming fortified village of Vigoleno is a short distance away. A little further, I recommend a visit to Grazzano Visconti and Bobbio, the village beyond the Devil’s Bridge!

For more information about this Enchanted Village: https://castellarquatoturismo.it

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