Grazzano Visconti village, a place between fantasy and reality

by letygoeson7, Mar, 2022Emilia-Romagna

Nestled among the green Piacenza hills like a gem of rare beauty, Grazzano Visconti village is the tiny hamlet that seems to have come straight out of a fairytale… and perhaps it has!

The perfection of this fairytale village and the attention to detail in Grazzano Visconti village are so striking that, with a little imagination, one feels suddenly catapulted back in time. The illusion is so vivid that you might almost expect to hear the rhythmic sound of a blacksmith forging in his workshop, the clucking of a few hens roaming freely, or the scent of freshly baked bread.

A sweet and imaginative picture, indeed, but unfortunately, this imagery is just that: an induced illusion. In reality, Grazzano Visconti village hides a completely different story. Despite its apparent medieval look, it is actually a “historical forgery.”

COSA TROVERAI IN QUESTO POST:

The Grazzano Visconti village

Grazzano Visconti village is a relatively recent hamlet in the province of Piacenza: walking through the streets and alleys of the village gives the impression of being in the Middle Ages, but this delicate little village was never actually medieval!

It is an artfully constructed historical forgery. Almost all the buildings that characterize Grazzano Visconti village as we see it today were built starting in 1910 at the behest of Giuseppe Visconti di Modrone. He decided to reconstruct all the buildings in the center, which were in poor condition at the time, giving them new life and transforming them into perfectly medieval-style dwellings, making them habitable.

Embracing the early 20th-century trend of reviving the past, Grazzano Visconti village is not only composed of houses and streets but also features various artisan shops and workshops, all designed in a full medieval style. These have helped keep the village alive, increasing its fame over time and attracting a growing number of tourists.

From a cultural and tourism promotion perspective, Grazzano Visconti village is highly active: at any time of the year, you may find yourself immersed in various events, historical reenactments, and costume festivals for all ages and tastes.

The Castle of Grazzano Visconti

Despite its modern façade, Grazzano Visconti village retains within it an ancient heart of great beauty: the castle. Built in the second half of the 1300s by Gian Galeazzo Visconti, the first Duke of Milan, for his sister Beatrice, it is surrounded, as tradition dictates, by a large moat, equipped with four towers, and haunted by a romantic ghost.

Today, the castle is surrounded by a vast park featuring an eclectic style, blending elements of a formal garden with the romantic atmosphere of an English landscape. It boasts the presence of some centuries-old trees.

Beyond the labyrinth, fountains, and a children’s playhouse built in masonry, visitors arrive at the statue of Aloisa, the famous ghost of the castle. A rather atypical ghost, Aloisa is depicted as a short and stocky woman who was the wife of a militia captain. She died of jealousy and sorrow due to her husband’s continuous betrayals. For this reason, she has since become the protector of lovers.

Harry Potter in Grazzano Visconti

One place in Grazzano Visconti village is sure to capture your attention if you are a fan of the Harry Potter saga: the “Emporio Stregato” (Enchanted Emporium). Next to the entrance of the shop, you’ll even find the iconic Platform 9¾ sign and a trolley partially embedded in the wall!

The Emporio Stregato is the first themed shop selling official Harry Potter merchandise, offering every magical item from that fantastic world, from magic wands to Quidditch equipment, chocolate frogs, and clothing from the Hogwarts houses. A true enchantment for both young and old—leaving is the hardest part!

Although the towers and buildings were not actually constructed in the Middle Ages, Grazzano Visconti village remains a true gem waiting to be discovered.

Useful Information for Visiting Grazzano Visconti

Entrance to the village:

Adults (16+ years old): €16.00
Children (under 16 years old): €8.00
Free for children under 3 years old.

The entrance ticket costs €5 per single access, including parking. The ticket also grants access to the Wax Museum.

Guided tours of the castle and park are available at a cost of €7.

Events in Grazzano Visconti

Many events are organized throughout the year in Grazzano Visconti village, which are better detailed on the official website: http://www.grazzano.it/manifestazioni

One of the most famous events is the “Torneo de lo Biscione,” a historical reenactment in medieval costumes featuring an archery competition.

Near Grazzano Visconti

If you still don’t have enough of medieval gems, near Grazzano Visconti you will find other hidden gems among the hills of Piacenza that will bewitch you: The enchanting fortified village of Vigoleno
While a little further away I also recommend Grazzano Visconti and Bobbio, the village beyond the Devil’s Bridge! Also interesting for authenticity is Castell’Arquato, the authentic medieval village in the Piacenza area.