Torrechiara Castle is a monument to sentiments. A jewel located 18 km from Parma, whose imposing size stands out against the background of the typical hills planted with vines. A pleasant surprise to say the least for those who decide to go up the ancient Parma Ham valley, reaching Langhirano.
This creation blends different genres, offering an excellent synthesis of medieval and Renaissance style. What was once a strategic position to have control over the surrounding area is now incredibly suggestive. A necessary step within the circuit of Castles of the Duchy. Doors open all year round, from 9.00 to 19.00, with a minimum entrance fee of 5.00 euros.
Torrechiara Castle, history
The construction of the imposing Castle of Torrechiara lasted more than a decade, by 1448 to 1460. A project wanted by Pier maria rossi, called "Il Magnifico" (compared to Lorenzo de 'Medici). It is undoubtedly one of the most interesting characters of the time, Count of Berceto and Marquis of San Secondo.
A valiant leader who, alongside his military skills, had a great passion for culture. A fine humanist, lover of music and poetry, as well as of mathematical, architectural and astrological sciences. There is no certainty but he is probably the architect of the design of the structure. A superfine design, with ramparts and curtain walls that seem to reveal a proportionality comparable to musical consonances. He wanted to erect the castle for his lover Bianca Pellegrini d'Arluno. A place dedicated to love, with the figure of the woman who fills the vaults and lunettes of the Golden Room. Framed forever by the frescoes of Benedetto Bembo and other artists of great value. A structure of absolute value, named a National Monument in 1911, which has been part of the state heritage since the beginning of the last century.
Interiors
Entering the Torrechiara Castle means letting yourself be enchanted by a riot of frescoed rooms. One cannot fail to mention, among many others, the Golden Room. It is certainly one of the highest pictorial expressions of international Gothic in Italy. An absolute triumph of sentiment between Pier Maria and his Bianca. An imaginary journey of the woman is depicted, a pilgrim for love who engages in various visits through the possessions of the Rossi family, which is therefore exalted. The most important element is Benedetto Bembo's masterpiece, able to conquer visitors with an almost cinematic style aimed at reality.
Also of great importance are the “grotesque” frescoes in the other rooms of the structure, made by Cesare Baglione and collaborators. From the hall of coats of arms to the hall of Jupiter, from the hunting and fishing hall to the fantastic hall of the Acrobats.
Torrechiara Castle at the cinema
The manor was chosen to turn into a film set in the 80s. A cult film was partly shot here. It is about "ladyhawke”By Richard Donner, with Rutger Hauer and Michelle Pfeiffer. The film shows the castle as the residence of the cruel bishop. However, there is also space for splendid shots of the two protagonists, among the surrounding meadows and hills. A tormented love, that of "Ladyhawke", which is enriched thanks to the atmosphere of the historic structure. This was also chosen by other directors. Just think of Bertolucci and "I Borgia" by Tom Fontana in recent times.
The village of Torrechiara
In addition to the castle, there is also the homonymous village to visit. There is no shortage of elements to visit, such as the Abbey of Santa Maria della Neve, a sacred place restored in the 70s. Inside there is a fifteenth-century painting, attributed to the painter Francesco Tacconi, the "Madonna with the throne and the Child". Also worth mentioning is the Church of San Lorenzo, passed from the Romanesque to the Baroque style in the XNUMXth century. Those who come here, however, cannot help but indulge in long trekking routes through the typical and spectacular hills. There are several itineraries available, between the surrounding towns and the splendid vineyards.
