Already existing in 1441, the Rocca it was rebuilt at the behest of Giberto III Sanvitale in 1477, with the consent of the Duke of Milan Gian Galeazzo Maria Sforza who, in that same year, appointed the Sanvitale Counts of Sala, and remodeled over the centuries by the same Sanvitale, the Farnese dukes and, finally, by Maria Luigia of Habsburg.
In 1630, it became a place of convalescence from the escaped plague epidemic and became the sumptuous summer residence of the College of Nobles of Parma.
The Rocca was the ancient hunting lodge of the nobles, and before that rich in intellectual life of the court.
Quadrangular in shape with square towers at the corners and central donjon, the fortress was conceived more as a stately home than as a fortress.
In the ancient building you can now visit the sixteenth-century area, with frescoes by Cesare Baglione, “The Hall of the Aeneid” by Ercole Procaccini, “The Hall of Hercules” by Orazio Samacchini.
You can admire the Palatine Chapel and the eighteenth-century Oratory of the Assumption which still preserves the original furnishings and a plaque commissioned by Michele Varron and dedicated to Napoleon Bonaparte.
Wonderful the large eighteenth-century garden surrounded by walls of the time.
Inside it preserves precious frescoes and stuccoes, sets where women of hearts, culture and conspiracies spun destinies and plots. From the heroine Donella Rossi to the beautiful Barbara Sanseverino and her stepdaughter Eleonora, sung by Tarquato Tasso, and then the controversial Maria Amalia of Habsburg-Lorraine and finally the Duchess of Parma Maria Luigia, guest in the house for a long period.
In the cellars and in the former icebox of the Rocca Sanvitale the Wine Museum has been set up.
Not to be missed inside the sixteenth-century rooms of the Rocca, the permanent exhibition of sculpture by Jucci Ugolotti Sacred and Profane.
For info: tel: 0521.331342
e-mail: iat@unionepedemontana.pr.it
