Castell’Arquato is located on the first hills of the Val d’Arda and is characterized by a medieval village perched along the hill overlooking the valley.
It has the title of city of art and has been awarded the orange flag by the Italian Touring Club as well as being part of the club of the most beautiful villages in Italy.
Very well preserved, of rare beauty and of great scenographic impact, it is able to fascinate both those who see it from afar dominating the valley, as well as those who explore it closely wandering among its lanes and its medieval stone houses, well preserved and object of recovery.
A walk in the village will allow you to admire several beautiful monuments.
Starting from the lower village, starting the visit from the Viale delle Rimembranze, you will find the imposing Farnese Tower. Next to it stands the Palazzo del Duca with the homonymous fountain. Continuing the climb and taking the path called “Solata” appears the majestic Rocca Viscontea, built between 1342 and 1349, in 1466 it enters the patrimony of the Sforza who held it until 1707, when it was incorporated into the Duchy of Parma and Piacenza.
The building, all in red brick, includes two parts connected to each other: a lower rectangular enclosure, wider, arranged on two steps and a smaller one, positioned higher. Overlooking the entire complex is the 42-meter-high keep, once isolated, pivot of urban defense and the surveillance system of the entire valley. Inside you will find the Multimedia Museum of medieval life.
Once in front of the Rocca the gaze is enchanted by the Monumental Square in which the three powers of the Middle Ages are represented: religious power (the Collegiate), military power (the Rocca), political power (the Palazzo del Podestà).
Visiting Castell’Arquato a must is its museum network.
The museums of Castell’Arquato satisfy the most diverse interests and each museum offers unexpected and pleasant discoveries.
Museum of the Collegiate
: collects works of art from the 13th century to the 16th century: astile cross in gilded silver chiseled sec. XV, bizarre frontal sec. X, altarpiece sec. XV, cape of Pope Paul III Farnese, frescoes, paintings, vestments and fabrics, artistic objects in bronze, gold, silver and iron.
Geological Museum: Located in the structure of the former S.Spirito hospital it is a modern and interesting exhibition, recently renovated. It is possible to observe the remains of whales from the “Piacenziano” area of fossils from all over the world
Luigi Illica Museum: dedicated to the famous poet, playwright and librettist from Arqua, it is located in the premises of Via Sforza Caolzio a few steps from the birthplace of Illica
