Emilia Delizia would be delighted to organise a castle, food and wine tour for your group departing from Piacenza, Parma and Milan. For more information about the castles of the Piacenza and Parma area, please explore the article below.

Piacenza and Parma’s Castles: A Unique Experience in Emilia-Romagna

Planning a holiday in Italy is always a delight, with so much to look forward to. The Emilia-Romagna region in Northern Italy is home to the historic city of Parma — famous worldwide as the birthplace of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and Prosciutto di Parma. However, many travelers do not realize that the wider provinces of Parma and Piacenza are also home to more than 20 remarkable castles.

These fortresses and defensive structures are a powerful reminder of centuries of territorial conflicts, noble rivalries, and strategic military control. Today, they offer fascinating insights into medieval architecture, local history, and spectacular countryside views. Many castles are located close to one another, making it easy to combine several visits in a single itinerary.

If you are planning a longer stay in the region, you may also enjoy our guide to things to do in Parma, including cultural landmarks, food experiences, and day trips.

Three Castles Worth Visiting

Below are three excellent examples of castles you can include in your itinerary.

Castello di Bardi. The fortress of Bardi is one of the finest examples of military architecture in northern Italy and has stood for over one thousand years. Originally built purely for defensive purposes, it was later partially converted into an aristocratic residence during the 16th century.

Visitors can explore ancient patrol paths, fortified towers, the parade ground, and defensive walls. The panoramic views from the towers are well worth the climb. Inside the castle, a museum documents the ancient valley-dwelling civilizations and the fortress’s long military history. The castle is open from March to November, and entrance is approximately €5.50 per adult.

Castello di Arquato (Castell’Arquato). This castle is located in the beautifully preserved medieval village of Castell’Arquato in the province of Piacenza. Built between 1342 and 1349, it served as a strategic defensive stronghold controlling the surrounding valleys.

The rectangular courtyard is dominated by a tall keep composed of stacked rooms connected by steep staircases leading to the summit. From the top, visitors enjoy sweeping views over vineyards and rolling countryside. The castle is open year-round, with admission around €3.50. A multi-castle discount ticket can also be purchased to reduce entry costs across the region.

While visiting, explore the Multimedia Museum of Medieval Life and the charming historic center below the castle. Do not miss the 12th-century Church of Santa Maria, home to medieval sculptures and frescoes dating from the 12th to 15th centuries. You can also read our dedicated guide to this village here: Castell’Arquato – stepping back in time on a day trip from Parma.

Castello di Bobbio. Bobbio is a small historic town near Piacenza, best known for its abbey and its traditional Christmas Eve snail festival. The castle, formally known as the Malaspina Dal Verme Castle, stands within the town walls on a hill overlooking the valley.

Although partially ruined, the castle remains well worth visiting. You can still see the Bishop’s Tower, a circular defensive tower, arrow slits converted into windows, and the impressive barrel-vaulted main hall. Some original frescoes survive in the stairwell. The castle is open year-round, and entrance costs approximately €2.00. Bobbio itself is a pleasant town to explore for a few hours, especially when combined with a visit to the abbey.

Food and Wine in the Piacenza Province

After a full day of sightseeing, you will quickly appreciate why Emilia-Romagna is considered the culinary capital of Italy. While Parma is famous for its ham and cheese, the Piacenza area offers its own outstanding gastronomic specialties.

Local cured meats include Coppa Piacentina, Salame Piacentino, and Pancetta Piacentina — all protected by PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) status. These products reflect centuries of artisanal knowledge and local climate conditions.

Your charcuterie platter is perfectly paired with a glass of Gutturnio, a local red wine made from Barbera and Croatina grapes, now awarded DOC status. Its soft structure and fruit-forward profile make it ideal for pairing with cured meats and rustic dishes.

Travelers interested in deepening their culinary experience may also want to explore guided tastings, food producers, and market visits in nearby Parma. Browse our guide to things to do in Parma for inspiration.

Combining castles, countryside landscapes, and authentic food experiences creates a rewarding itinerary for visitors who want to discover the real Emilia-Romagna beyond the main tourist routes.