Castello di Gropparello: a dive into the Middle Ages in the Heart of Emilia Romagna

The Castle of Gropparello, a majestic and fascinating medieval fortification whose foundation dates back to the Carolingian period, surrounded by Guelph walls and perched around the mighty Donjon, is an exclusive destination, perfect for those who wish to treat themselves to a unique experience in a marvelous historic residence. This magnificent architectural jewel, set like a precious gem on a spur of ophiolite overlooking a ravine amidst beautiful woods and lush, evocative landscapes of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, was rebuilt in stone between the 11th and 12th centuries and will enchant you with its magnetic charm and fairy atmosphere.

Whenever you choose to visit the Castle of Gropparello, you will find many attractions, wonders, and points of interest that are sure to be appreciated by tourists, students, families with children, and lovers of medieval traditions,such as the many musical instruments - both copies and period instruments - scattered throughout the rooms of the castle. The originality, beauty and care of the elegant location, owned by the Gibelli family since 1994, offers the travelers who are history enthusiasts the unmissable opportunity  to take an enchanting travel to discover the evocative, enthralling, and legendary atmospheres of the stately courts of the Middle Ages.

The charming setting of the Castle of Gropparello, a dreamlike location immersed in the luxuriant nature of the Piacenza hills, is the perfect setting to host different types of events and to satisfy the tastes of all audiences, from those who wish to stay in a place full of history, to those who dream of spending a romantic and special holiday in an authentic Carolingian-era manor house... Not forgetting weekends for families!  It is also perfect for delicious romantic and gala dinners during holiday season, corporate events, and team-building activities.

Lovers of trekking, hiking, and unspoilt landscapes can admire the extraordinary beauty of these territories by taking part in the exciting and immersive naturalistic tour that will lead them to discover the Vezzeno gorges. In the area surrounding the castle of Gropparello, ancient paths, used as patrol walkways in past times, dug into the rock on which the castle stands, descending into the gorge to the gorges of the Vezzeno stream. Walking along these paths, past the castle, and facing the ancient Celtic-Ligurian altar on the opposite side of the gorge, you will venture into an Eden teeming with life, lush nature, and ancient mysteries.

The peculiar microclimate that characterises this oasis of biodiversity allows the coexistence of different botanical species, such as Iceland lichens, ferns, dog roses, snowdrops, oaks, hawthorn, sedum, white privets, imperial maples, and Scots pines. In this splendid area of remarkable conservation value, marked by the presence of ophiolite, we suggest a visit to the Museum of the Dawning Rose, which presents multiple rose gardens, collecting 1,200 rose plants.

Following a picturesque pathway connects the Castle to the Large Farm and leads to the Medieval Tavern, a refined, evocative, and original restaurant set in a garden of olive trees, essences, and rose bushes, is located. The extensive and refined gastronomic offer proposes exquisite dishes inspired in part by historical cuisine, and in part by the discovery of typical products and excellences both local and from other regions of Italy, many of which are part of Slow Food's Ark of Taste.

The romantic and bucolic Large Farm is particularly suitable for wedding parties, gala lunches and dinners, corporate events or unforgettable birthdays... as well as for fun and unusual costume banquets.

Another special point: the Chocolate of Simple, produced by the Castle with a blend of the highest quality Barry Callebaut cocoa. You will find it in bars, pralines, chocolates and desserts in the Tavern!

A real gem of Castle of the Gropparello is the Barbagianni Tower, an exclusive suite within the walls, suspended on drawbridges. It offers an intimate and bright environment, with 19th-century terracotta floors, romantic small windows and beamed ceilings. The suite is made up of an entrance hall overlooking the castle's inner courtyard, a bedroom, a second bedroom, and a living room. It has air conditioning, an Amazonian shower with hydromassage and chromotherapy, Wi-Fi, a mini-bar, and a delightful mini-kitchen for heating food or preparing herbal teas. Breakfast is always served in the castle, in the private dining room, or on the beautiful panoramic terrace.

Visiting the small store of the Park of Fairy tales, children can hdiscover a wide range of toys related to naturalistic, historical, and fantasy themes. The selected toy lines are perfect for letting your imagination run wild in epic-chivalric adventures with a historical flavour, or in exciting games of logic games that stimulate reasoning, awareness, and imagination.

Are you a mysteries and ancient legends enthusiast? The magnificent and imposing Castle of Gropparello conceals several secret rooms, lost passages, and even an eerie cutting well. But the main presences are linked to the legend of a young female ghost hovering within the walls of this castle. Her presence is really frequent in certain rooms of the castle, in the final part of the bel étage.

According to the legend, she's Rosania, a female castellan who was walled up alive in a cavern carved out of the rock by her husband Pietrone in the 13th century after discovering her love affair with the commander of the opposing militia, Lancillotto Anguissola, her ancient and unforgettable love.

You can participate in numerous themed events and manifestations during the year to enjoy unique moments and turn anniversaries and festivities into memorable events. The wide-ranging offer includes enticing proposals, including guided tours, also at night, the winter visit "Winter Castle Enchanted Christmas magic", cookery courses dedicated to gastronomy and historical cuisine, theme nights and visits with a Gothic atmosphere.

Moreover, you will take part in engaging and amusing murder mystery dinners, full of suspense, captivating tours  in the company of expert guides who will take you to the discovery of the castle's secrets. The dramatised visit dedicated to dramatic love, created in conjunction with the Castle of Gradara, is beautiful. Actors who burst in during the visit re-enact the stories of Rosania and Lancelot and those of Paolo and Francesca. During the Halloween period, you can find both the evening Gothic Visit and the night tour on the 31st, the Night of the Witches.

Every day the Castle of Groparello is open for guided tours and school activities, which the Castle has been renowned for over the years. The Fairy-tales Park is also available for families on Sundays and holidays. Along the route, costumed actors interact with the public, involving them in the vicissitudes of characters from ancient fairy tales. It all culminates in an extraordinary battle between the knights of the Castle in which the children will also participate in evil creatures such as the Orcs and the Witch.

Every year in October, the magical castle of Gropparello hosts the spectacular re-enactment of the Grand Court Feast, which evokes the laborious and picturesque atmosphere of the ancient aristocratic kitchens. It displays the art of falconry, and reconstructs the refined refinements of the aristocratic banquet between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The table set in the Weapons Room will make you rediscover the fragrances and aromas of the ancient recipes of the noble families.