Fortresse and Castels Emilia
4 Days / 3 Nights
Day 1
Arrival of the group by their own transport in the morning in Imola.
Meeting with the guide to visit the majestic Rocca Sforzesca (XIII-XV
C.), square plan design, with four turrets in the corners, which houses an interesting
collection of ancient arms. Lunch not included. Transfer to Dozza, a
miraculously intact medieval hamlet, dominated by the Sforzesca Fortress.
Not to be missed: the furniture collection, the torture instruments and the
dungeons; the underground structure also contains a Museum of the Farming Civilization.
Local wine-tasting at the richly stocked Regional Wine Cellar inside the fortress.
Accommodation in a hotel in Bologna. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2
Breakfast in the hotel and departure to Carpi to visit the Pio Castle:
on the left of the central part, built in the XVI Century, the Torre Uccelliera
can be admired, together with the massive Torre del Passerino and on the right,
there is the Torrazzo di Galasso; in the centre of the front part, the Clock
Tower. Lunch not included. In the afternoon, transfer to San Prospero and stop-off
at a vinegar producing concern where there is the opportunity to purchase the
renowned aromatic vinegar, which is traditional to Modena. Opportunity to visit
a wine cellar to taste the famous Lambrusco wine. Return to the hotel for dinner
and overnight stay.
Day 3
Breakfast in the hotel and departure to the Matilda's lands, in the province
of Reggio Emilia: Quattro Castella, which takes its name from
four fortresses which were built between 985 and 1054; the Canossa Castle,
whose ruins stand proud on a white sandstone rocky crag, and is closely tied
to the humiliation of the Emperor Enrico IV who, in the year 1077 went there
to beg for forgiveness from Pope Gregorio VII with intermediation by Matilda;
the Rossena Castle, a stronghold surrounded by a combination of perfectly
conserved city wall arrangements. Lunch not included. In the afternoon, transfer
to the Carpineti Castle, the favourite residence of Matilda where she
hosted the Popes Gregorio VII, Urbano II and Pasquale II. Return to the hotel
for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 4
Breakfast in the hotel and departure to Fontanellato. Meeting with the
guide to visit the Sanvitale Fortress with its square plan design, embattled
curtain with turrets, stronghold to protect the entry and an extensive surrounding
moat. It is a splendid residence which has preserved its original furnishings
and ornaments. A small room boasts a circle of frescos portraying Diana and
Atteone which are a masterpiece of Parmigianino. Transfer to the Soragna
Fortress. Lunch not included. In the afternoon, visit to the Rossi Castle,
in the San Secondo locality. Stop-off at a cheese factory where the renowned
parmesan is produced. End of our services.
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