Castle of Pellegrino

In the year 981 Pellegrino was handed over by Emperor Ottone II as a marquisate to Albert of Baden, progenitor of the Pallavicino family which initiated building of the castle: a mighty fortalice which from the summit of a hill dominates the village. In 1198 the castle was rebuilt by Guglielmo Pallavicini and from this moment on the history of the village was linked to the history of the manor. The domineering structure of the castle with its Cyclopian walls protecting it against external attacks, as well as an additional perimeter wall connecting four large corner towers, made the castle legendary over the years for the steadfastness with which it withstood several attacks. Its invincibility came to an end in 1428 due to the wiles of Niccolò Piccinino, a commander of fortune from Perugia sent by the Visconti, who retained possession the castle and handed it down to his children. In 1742 it passed to the Fogliani and subsequently to the Meli Lupi of Soragna. These continued transfers of ownership took their toll on the state of preservation of the fortalice and at the beginning of the Second World War, stripped of all its beauty, it was used by the Germans as an observation tower and a base for large assemblages of troops. Recently restored by private investors, it has been returned to its original splendour. On the facade of the manor house walled-up mullioned windows and Ghibelline battlements bear witness to the numerous transformations that have marked its history. Now a private residence, it can be visited by appointment.

LOCALITY: Commune of Pellegrino Parmense, to 50 Km from Parma

OPENING PERIOD: visitable only by booking

OPENING HOURS: visitable only by booking.
Commune of Pellegrino Parmense thel.+39.0524.64131/594665 – fax.+39.0524.64569 (opening hours 8.30am-1.30am weekdays). e-mail: segreteria@comune.pellegrino-parmense.pr.it

PICTURES AND TEXTS WITH KIND COOPERATION OF ASSOCIATION OF CASTLES OF THE DUCHY OF PARMA AND PIACENZA

Useful information about su PELLEGRINO PARMENSE :
Meteo in Emilia