Castles of Reggio Emilia: 2-Day Itinerary from Canossa to Bianello and 4 Fortresses

Our itinerary through the Castles of Reggio Emilia begins at the most iconic location: Canossa Castle. Perched on a sandstone spur at 576 meters, this site is famous for the Humiliation of Canossa in 1077, when Emperor Henry IV knelt for three days in the snow before Pope Gregory VII. Today you can explore the ruins of the keep and palatine chapel, while the Naborre Campanini National Museum houses medieval artifacts and the history of the powerful Countess Matilda. From the square, your gaze sweeps across the Reggiano Apennines all the way to the Po Valley. A practical tip: wear comfortable shoes for the climb to the castle and don't miss the panoramic view from the tower.

Arriving at Bianello Castle in Quattro Castella, you're immediately struck by its strategic hilltop position. This perfectly preserved medieval manor is one of the four castles that give the town its name. As you ascend Via Bianello, you'll discover that this is where Matilda of Canossa once stayed, a key figure in Reggio Emilia's history. Today, the castle can be visited with expert guides who share anecdotes about its former owners. The panoramic view from the tower stretches across the entire Po Valley, making it clear why this was such an important control point. Inside, you'll admire period furnishings and well-preserved frescoes, evidence of its role as a noble residence. For those visiting on the second day of the itinerary, it's an opportunity to immerse yourself in local history without long travel times.

The Castle of Montecchio immediately stands out from the other fortresses on the itinerary: it doesn't dominate a hilltop but blends seamlessly into the urban fabric of Montecchio Emilia. Arriving at Piazza della Repubblica, you're struck by how this 15th-century fortress has become an integral part of town life. Its massive towers and crenellated walls conceal surprisingly accessible interiors, with courtyards hosting cultural events and temporary exhibitions. The Chapel of San Lorenzo preserves Renaissance frescoes from the Emilian school, while the first-floor rooms recount centuries of history through furnishings and documents. It's fascinating to see how the castle has maintained its public function: today it houses municipal offices and community spaces. For those coming from Quattro Castella, it offers a shift in perspective, showing how Reggio Emilia's castles have evolved over time.

The second day of our itinerary through the castles of Reggio Emilia begins right here, in Scandiano, where the Boiardo Fortress stands imposingly on Via Ferdinando Cesari. Unlike the Castle of Montecchio we visited yesterday, this fortress impresses with its architectural evolution: originally built as a defensive structure in the 14th century, it was transformed into a noble residence by the Boiardo family. Today it houses the municipal library and exhibition spaces, while preserving its crenellated towers and moat intact. Climbing the stairs, you access the frescoed halls where Matteo Maria Boiardo, author of Orlando Innamorato, once lived. From the inner courtyard, you can admire a unique panorama of the Scandiano hills. It's a place that combines history, literature, and community, perfect for understanding how Emilian manor houses have adapted through the centuries.

The Rocca Estense of San Martino in Rio welcomes you with its imposing 15th-century structure, perfectly preserved despite the centuries. The building was commissioned by the Este family of Ferrara as a defensive outpost along the Via Emilia, but today it houses the Museum of Agriculture and Rural Life. Climbing the steps of the main tower, the view stretches across the entire town and surrounding plain, offering unique glimpses of the Reggio Emilia countryside. Inside, the frescoed halls tell stories of ladies and knights, while the museum collections take you on a journey through the life of Emilia's farming communities. Don't miss the inner courtyard, where Renaissance architecture displays all its elegance. A place that surprisingly unites history and tradition.

After leaving the Este Fortress, Castellarano Fortress surprises with its strategic position on a hill overlooking the town. This 12th-century fortress has maintained its medieval charm intact despite numerous changes of ownership among noble families. Climbing up Via Torre, you reach the quadrangular keep that offers breathtaking views of the Secchia Valley. Inside, the spaces preserve traces of frescoes and original defensive structures. Particularly interesting is the system of wall walkways, which allows you to imagine the life of the guard soldiers. The fortress has been recently restored and now hosts cultural events, maintaining a living connection with the local community.