Italy has many medieval towns scattered all over its territory. One of these fascinating Italian medieval towns is Castell’Arquato.
Castell’Arquato stands on a hill and is located in Emilia-Romagna, in the province of Piacenza. So, if you’re in Piacenza or Parma, consider spending one day visiting Castell’Arquato, which is not too far away from these two big Italian cities.
But what can you see in Castell’Arquato?
Apart from the town itself, which is small but really beautiful, you can visit several museums but especially Rocca Viscontea and Collegiata.
The castle – La Rocca Viscontea
The castle is the main attraction of Castell’Arquato because it allows you to have a breathtaking view of the town and of the surroundings.
It was built on a previous fortification in the 14th century by Luchino Visconti. The original fortification, however, probably dates back to the 8th century.
The castle is formed by two separate parts that are arranged to form an L-shape. Each part has a tower at each corner. The tower facing east, the keep, is the only one that preserves the original structure completely.
In the keep there’s the museum of Medieval Life. There you can watch videos showing the interior of the fortress in all its glory during the Middle Ages, you can read information about the towers, the loopholes, about the relationships between Rocca Viscontea and the other neighboring castles, and also some history about the town.
Collegiata
Collegiata is a Catholic church that was originally built in 756. However due to a big earthquake, in 1117 the church was completely rebuilt. And the baptismal font is the only part of the original structure that has survived to this day.
In 1899 15th century frescos were discovered in the Chapel of Santa Caterina. The author is unknown but the frescos depict the Passion of Christ and the Death and Glory of the Virgin. Short after the discovery of frescos, also a baptismal immersion dating back to the 8th center was discovered.
In the Church, you can also visit the chapel of Saint Joseph that is decorated by many frescos by Giacomo Guidotti.
Oh, and while in Castell’Arquato, don’t forget to enjoy a glass of wine like Gutturnio and Bonarda!
Have you ever been to Castell’Arquato or any other medieval villages in Italy? How was your experience?
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Credits
Original image by cohen888
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