Across Emilia and the surrounding area, summer at the Castelli del Ducato offers a series of alternative experiences.
A network promoting castles and art venues
From night-time castle tours, including viewing the Perseids, to medieval towers and terraces, family-friendly activities and treasure hunts, weekends in castles with swimming pools, excursions, tastings and historical dinners. Castelli del Ducato is the network that brings together, coordinates and promotes 38 castles open to visitors, as well as over 50 art venues, historic residences, strongholds, fortresses and villages, all open to the public.
Sunset picnics, evocative guided tours
Evening and night-time tours blending history and folklore stand out; the most evocative events including evening experiences with Ghost Hunters at the Fortress of Bardi (in the province of Parma) and the tours dedicated to legends and ghosts at Bianello Castle, in the Reggio Emilia area. The castles are also prime vantage points for enjoying the Perseid meteor shower. Scipione dei Marchesi Pallavicino Castle (Parma, PR), in particular, hosts "The Magical Night of the Stars" every year, with sunset picnics, evocative guided tours and the special opening of the 17th-century loggia and gardens, which remain open until late at night so visitors can gaze at the starry August sky. From Compiano Castle (PR), one of Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages in the Parma Apennines, to Tabiano Castle (PR) with its historic Relais in the spa-rich hills, to the exclusive wellness experiences at Rivalta Castle in the province of Piacenza, holidays strike a balance between culture, hospitality, landscape and self-care, set against the backdrop of swimming pools set in exceptional scenery.
Historical heritage with local culinary excellence
Also returning throughout the summer is “Il Gusto del Tempo - La Cultura del Gusto,” a project that weaves together historical and landscape heritage with local culinary excellence. It includes sunset tastings, picnics in historic gardens, aperitifs with panoramic views, Renaissance-themed dinners and meetings with producers and tours through vineyards, castles and hills. Among the most eagerly awaited events are “Calici al Tramonto” and “Escape Castle - The Magic and Mysteries of the Castle," with tastings, lunches and dinners at Contignaco Castle (PR); historic dinners at Gropparello Castle (PR) and its "Starry Night" event with glasses of Champagne. Then there are the "Experience Days" combining tours, culinary delights and wellness at Rivalta Castle (PC), and numerous other events taking place at manors and villages across the entire circuit. For information and bookings: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
