Location: Langhirano, Parma Map
Open: Nov- Feb 9am- 4:30pm Tue- Fri
10am- 5pm Sat
March-
Oct 8:30am- 7:30pm Wed- Sat
Closed: Mondays, Dec 25, Jan 1
Entrance Fee: 3 Euro
Tickets: +39 0521355255
Tourist Office:
0521355009
The Castello di Torrechiara, also known as Torrechiara Castle, is a remarkably well-preserved 15th-century fortified residence located in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy. Built between 1448 and 1460 by Pier Maria II de' Rossi, the fourth count of San Secondo, it served as both a defensive stronghold and a luxurious noble dwelling, particularly dedicated to his mistress, Bianca Pellegrini d'Arluno. The castle exemplifies Italian Renaissance architecture influenced by the Sforza-Visconti style, blending military functionality with elegant interiors that celebrate chivalric love and courtly ideals. Perched on a terraced hill, it overlooks the Parma River valley and is renowned for its romantic legend, intricate fresco cycles, and historical significance as a national monument. Declared a protected site in 1911 and acquired by the Italian State in 1912, the castle has undergone several restorations, including after a 2008 earthquake, and is now managed by the Polo Museale dell'Emilia Romagna as part of the Complesso Monumentale della Pilotta. It attracts visitors for its artistic treasures, panoramic views, and cultural events, symbolizing the enduring legacy of medieval patronage and love stories in Italian history.
Torrechiara Castle is situated in the village of Torrechiara, within the municipality of Langhirano in the Province of Parma, Emilia-Romagna, northern Italy. It stands atop a terraced hill at an elevation that provides commanding views over the Parma River valley, surrounded by centuries-old vineyards and the Apennine foothills. The castle's coordinates are approximately 44°39′20″N 10°16′25″E, about 18 km south of the city of Parma and accessible via the A1 motorway (exit Parma Ovest) or regional roads like SP665. Nearby attractions include the medieval village at the castle's base, with restaurants and shops, and the broader Parma area known for its culinary heritage (e.g., Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese). The strategic hilltop position not only offers scenic beauty but also underscores its historical defensive role, overlooking the plain toward Langhirano. Public transport options include buses from Parma to Langhirano (about 30 minutes), followed by a short uphill walk or taxi to the castle entrance.
The origins of Torrechiara Castle trace back to medieval times, with
foundations possibly dating to earlier fortifications on the site.
Construction of the current structure began in 1448 and was completed by
1460 under the commission of Pier Maria II de' Rossi, a prominent
condottiere (mercenary leader) and lord of the Rossi family, who ruled
over San Secondo and other territories. Influenced by the architectural
styles of the Sforza-Visconti castles, it was designed as a dual-purpose
edifice: a robust defense against rivals and a sumptuous residence for
de' Rossi and his beloved Bianca Pellegrini d'Arluno, whom he met around
1440 at the Milanese court. Despite both being married to others, their
relationship was long-lasting and passionate, with the castle
symbolizing their union—de' Rossi also named another castle,
Roccabianca, after her.
Following de' Rossi's death in 1482 at
Torrechiara, where he retired after a life of military campaigns, the
castle passed through various owners, including branches of the Rossi
family and later noble lineages. Bianca had died around 1480, and both
were buried in the castle's Oratory of San Nicomede. Over the centuries,
it changed hands multiple times until it was declared a national
monument in 1911 and purchased unfurnished by the Italian State in 1912,
opening to the public thereafter. The castle endured historical events,
including its use in regional conflicts, but suffered significant damage
from a 5.2 magnitude earthquake on December 23, 2008, which affected
external walls, battlements, and the Torre di San Nicomede. Structural
renovations, overseen by the Superintendency of BAP of Emilia, were
completed by 2009, with further interior work allowing a full reopening
in July 2014. Since 2015, it has been managed by the Polo Museale
dell'Emilia Romagna. In 2004, a new layout was implemented, including
the relocation of surviving furnishings and a revised visitor route. The
castle has also served as a filming location, notably for scenes in the
1985 film Ladyhawke, adding to its cultural fame.
Torrechiara Castle is a prime example of 15th-century Italian
fortified architecture, built on a walled platform atop a terraced hill,
incorporating a manor, an ancient upper village, an internal courtyard
(Cortile d'onore or Courtyard of Honour), four corner towers, and
numerous underground rooms. The structure is composed of a double line
of merloned walls connecting the rectangular towers, designed for both
defense and residence. The towers are named and positioned
strategically: the Torre di San Nicomede (southeast) guards the plain
toward Langhirano and houses the chapel; the Torre del Giglio (Lily
Tower, southwest) is named after Bianca Pellegrini's coat of arms; the
Torre della Camera d'Oro (Tower of the Golden Chamber, northeast)
contains the famous bedchamber; and the Torre del Leone (Lion Tower,
northwest), the keep, faces north and is named after de' Rossi's emblem.
The castle's layout includes a central courtyard, with the manor
featuring loggias for panoramic views. Underground rooms, made
accessible after 2006 restorations, add to its exploratory appeal. The
overall design reflects Sforza-Visconti influences, with robust walls
for fortification and elegant elements like panoramic loggiati for noble
living. The castle's hilltop position enhances its imposing presence,
while internal features like the Sala della Sera (rebuilt post-2008
earthquake) and other halls demonstrate adaptive renovations over time.
The interiors of Torrechiara Castle are richly decorated with
frescoes, grotesques, and thematic artworks that highlight its
Renaissance splendor and the romantic narrative of its founders. The
most celebrated is the Camera d'Oro (Golden Chamber), a wedding room
in the northeast tower, frescoed between 1460 and 1462, possibly by
Benedetto Bembo or his brother Gerolamo. This cycle depicts Bianca
Pellegrini on a symbolic pilgrimage through the Rossi lands,
searching for her lover Pier Maria, set against a blue sky with
detailed landscapes of hills and castles. The lunettes show scenes
of chivalric love, with Cupid drawing his bow and the lovers
exchanging tokens of faithfulness. The room was once adorned with
pure gold leaves on wall panels (hence "Golden"), and features heart
motifs, family emblems, and Pier Maria kneeling before Bianca in a
classic courtly love pose. The frescoes, covering upper walls and
the vaulted ceiling, have endured for six centuries and represent a
vivid celebration of their bond.
Other notable interiors include
the Salone dei Giocolieri (Jugglers Hall) and additional rooms with
fantastic, grotesque, or naturalistic themes. On the ground floor,
decorations in the rooms of Jupiter, the Pergolato (Pergola), the
Vittoria (Victory), and the Velarium are attributed to Cesare
Baglione. The Room of the Angels, with references to Correggio’s
dome in Parma Cathedral, was created by an anonymous Parma artist in
the early 17th century. The Hall of the Acrobats contains frescoes
by Baglione and Giovan Antonio Paganino from the late 16th century.
The Sala della Sera, rebuilt after the 2008 earthquake, is part of a
sequence including Aurora, Meriggio, and Vespro rooms.
Artifacts
include surviving Renaissance furnishings relocated in 2004, such as
a raised bed with a wedding blanket, a small table, a prayer bench,
and a chest, evoking the castle's noble past. The castle also houses
an armor collection, adding to its medieval ambiance. These
elements, combined with the frescoes, make Torrechiara a key site
for understanding 15th-century Italian art and courtly culture.
As of August 25, 2025, Torrechiara Castle is open to the public and
managed by the Complesso Monumentale della Pilotta, remaining a
well-preserved and highly rated attraction (4-5 bubbles on Tripadvisor).
Visitor reviews emphasize its imposing structure, stunning frescoes
(especially the Golden Room), armor collection, and breathtaking views
of the surrounding hills and valleys. The nearby medieval village with
restaurants and shops enhances the experience, though some note the
interiors feel bare without much furniture and occasional issues with
tour guide quality or staff rudeness. The castle hosts cultural
activities, including appointments for events, and is in excellent
condition following post-2008 earthquake restorations.
Visiting hours
are Tuesday to Saturday from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and Sunday from 10:00
AM to 4:00 PM (one review mentions opening at 11:00 AM, but confirm via
official sources). Admission fees are €5 for adults. Tickets are
purchased on-site. Accessibility includes a scenic path for visitors
with disabilities, though the hilly terrain and medieval layout may pose
challenges—contact the site for specifics. Guided tours are available,
focusing on the romantic history and frescoes. The revised visitor route
starts from the Golden Room, with underground rooms accessible since
2006. Photography is generally allowed without flash. Combine visits
with nearby attractions like the Abbey of Santa Maria della Neve or the
church of St. Lawrence. For updates, check the official Complesso
Pilotta website or contact via phone/email, as hours and fees may vary.