Rocca d’Olgisio is the oldest fortress in Piacenza.

An extraordinary castle near Piacenza with breathtaking panoramic views perched at 570 meters above sea level: on clear days you can see Monte Rosa or see the first skyscrapers of Milan.

Founded around the year one thousand, in 1378 after several memberships, it was delivered by Gian Galeazzo Visconti to Jacopo Dal Verme, valiant winner of the battle of Alessandria against Florence.

The fortress, in which it is also possible to stay overnight, has an irregular plan which can only be accessed from the northern side through a steep and suggestive road.

Set in the rock, guarding the valleys of the Tidone and Chiarone streams, it is one of the oldest and most evocative fortresses of Piacenza, surrounded by six orders of walls.

The keep is divided into various intercommunicating rooms that end with a small sixteenth-century loggia.

The garden is home to mysterious natural caves, a riot of orchids and rare yellow amaryllis also visible on the hills of Pianello Valtidone, in the upper Val Chiarone.

Here’s what you absolutely must see of the Rocca d’Olgisio:

• Outdoor garden with caves of natural origin

• Orchids and rare dwarf prickly pears Interior of the Castle

•Weapons Room with Catapults and Cannonballs

• Try the Bed & Breakfast experience inside the Rocca

The Rocca was able to store food and food supplies for at least 10 years. This was useful during the numerous attacks suffered by the French in the 1500s. At that time it is said that in a week the Castle was hit by 1160 cannon shots. Despite the brutality of the attack, only a tower gave way.

This fortress was truly impregnable.