Castell'Arquato, in the province of Piacenza, is a medieval village perched on one of the hills that dominate the Val d'Arda. Of great scenic impact, the village is clearly visible from afar thanks to the high tower of its castle. For its extraordinary beauty, Castell'Arquato enjoys the title of city of art and culture. Belonging to the club of the most beautiful villages in Italy, it was also awarded the orange flag by the Italian Touring Club.
Walking through its narrow and cobbled alleys, and the brick-colored houses enclosed within crenellated walls, is a unique experience for the visitor. In fact, you have the sensation of taking a journey back in time, to the Middle Ages. Of the robust city walls built in 1342 by Duke Azzo Visconti, today only two of the four original access gates remain: one remodeled in the XNUMXth century, the other originally from the Visconti era.
The origin of the name
Castell'Arquato is part of the Piacenziano Regional Park hills that in prehistoric times were covered by the sea. This is demonstrated by the traces, still visible, of numerous fossils found on the site. Two hypotheses are made regarding the origins of the name: that the toponym derives from Caio Torquato, the Roman patrician who according to tradition founded the first castrum here, or from castrum quadratum, the quadrangular shape of the castrum.
The Fortress of Castell'Arquato
You arrive at Castell'Arquato after crossing hills dotted with vineyards and cultivated fields. From afar you can immediately see the towers and the Rocca Viscontea, built by will of Luchino Visconti between 1342 and 1349. The building, built as a fortress to defend the village, is the main tourist attraction. From above, it allows you to admire a broad panorama that embraces the Po Valley and the Apennines. The massive donjon dominates the complex. The fortress stands on the main square of the village, the municipal one, where other monuments of great historical-architectural importance are concentrated.
Monuments and churches
The municipal square of Castell'Arquato also overlooks the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Assunta, one of the oldest churches in the area, already existing in 756 with the function of a baptismal parish, and the Palazzo del Podesta, built in 1292 by Alberto Scotti, lord of Piacenza. The latter, created for residential purposes, then became the seat of the offices of the Podestà and subsequently of the Magistrates' Court.
In the Monteguzzo district there is, however, the Farnese Tower, an ancient building never completed, probably wanted for defensive purposes by Duke Bosio II Sforza. Built around 1530, the secret passages mentioned make it attractive and mysterious. These passages had to lead into open countryside or to Duke's Palace, the name given to the palace of justice built in 1292 in the seventeenth century. In front of it it is possible to admire the Fountains of the Duke, once used as a wash house and still in use today. From the sixteenth century is theSanto Spirito hospital. Its purpose was to offer hospitality and shelter to all pilgrims passing through the Via Francigena, traveling to Rome. Since 1990 it has become the headquarters of Geological Museum-Cortesi.
Not far away is the Illica Museum, dedicated to Puccini's librettist who was born and lived here. There is also the Collegiate Museum, full of true jewels of sacred art dating back to the XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries. In the hamlet of Vigolo Marchese it is possible to admire the splendid Romanesque complex with the church and baptistery of San Giovanni, built in 1008 by the Marquis Oberto d'Orta, lord of Val Nure.
City of wine
Castell'Arquato also boasts the qualification of "City of Wine”. Before leaving the town, it is advisable to make a stop atMunicipal wine shop, hosted in the renovated rooms of the Palazzo del Podestà. Here you can taste typical products in a refined and welcoming environment or purchase Piacenza wines obtained from the vineyards that line the lush surrounding hills. Castell'Arquato is truly a magical place, ideal not only for a cultural, historical, artistic journey, but also for those who love natural landscapes, good food and good wine.
(Photo: Municipality of Castell'Arquato; Pro loco of Castell'Arquato, Facebook pages)
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