Location: Compiano, Parma Map
Constructed: 9th century by Lombards
The Castello di Compiano (Compiano Castle), also known as Castello di Compiano or simply the Castle of Compiano, is a medieval fortress perched on a rocky spur overlooking the Taro River valley in the historic village of Compiano, Province of Parma, Emilia-Romagna region, northern Italy. Situated in the Apennine foothills of Val di Taro, approximately 60 kilometers southwest of Parma and 120 kilometers southeast of Genoa, this imposing structure dominates the landscape from its elevated position, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the medieval borgo (village) below. Spanning a trapezoidal footprint of approximately 1,500–2,000 square meters, including its central courtyard and towers, the castle exemplifies early medieval defensive architecture adapted over centuries, blending Lombard, feudal, and later Bourbon influences. Originally a strategic stronghold, it evolved into a noble residence, prison, orphanage, and now a multifaceted cultural site and luxury hotel. Recognized as one of Italy's most beautiful villages (Compiano is part of the "I Borghi più Belli d'Italia" association), the castle symbolizes the region's rich feudal history and attracts visitors for its atmospheric salons, unique museums, and integration of heritage with modern hospitality. As of August 25, 2025, it remains under municipal ownership, with ongoing preservation efforts ensuring its accessibility amid Emilia-Romagna's cultural tourism boom, though no major structural changes or new excavations have been reported this year.
The origins of Castello di Compiano date to the early Middle Ages,
with the first documented evidence from the 9th century (IX century),
though it is believed to have been constructed by the Lombards as early
as the 8th century along the ancient road linking Emilia and Liguria.
Positioned on a rocky spur for strategic defense, it initially served as
a watchtower and fortified outpost dominating the Taro River valley. By
the 11th century (mentioned since 1021), it belonged to the Malaspina
family, a powerful Lombard lineage, before passing to the Commune of
Piacenza in the 12th century amid territorial disputes with Parma. In
the 13th century, it became the seat of the Landi family—Ghibelline
supporters aligned with the Holy Roman Empire—who ruled for over 425
years, establishing a semi-independent principality known as the Stato
Landi. Under the Landi, the castle experienced a golden age in the
16th–17th centuries, minting its own currency, founding state schools,
and implementing a pawn system to support the local economy.
Ownership shifted in 1682 to the Farnese family, rulers of the Duchy of
Parma and Piacenza, and later to the Bourbon family in the 18th century.
In the early 19th century, under Maria Luigia (Maria Luisa) of Austria,
Duchess of Parma (1814–1847), it was converted into a state prison,
notably holding Carbonari revolutionaries in 1821 during the
Risorgimento era. Following Italy's Unification in 1861, it became
property of the Curia (church authorities) and served as a girls'
orphanage and the seat of the Female College of the Sacred Heart until
World War II. After the war, the school closed, and in 1962, it was
purchased by Marchioness Lina Raimondi Gambarotta, a cultured noblewoman
who transformed it into her private residence and amassed a significant
art collection. Upon her death in 1987, she bequeathed the castle to the
Municipality of Compiano, which opened it to the public. In 2002, the
International Masonic Museum was established within its walls, making it
a unique cultural hub. Excavations and restorations in the 20th–21st
centuries have uncovered medieval foundations and removed later
additions, preserving its historical integrity amid Puglia's broader
heritage efforts—no significant new discoveries have been reported as of
2025, though ongoing maintenance addresses seismic vulnerabilities in
the Apennines.
Castello di Compiano embodies medieval defensive architecture with
Lombard influences, constructed on a rocky spur that enhances its
natural fortifications. The structure follows a trapezoidal plan,
enclosed by high curtain walls built from local stone, giving it a
rugged, imposing silhouette that blends with the surrounding hills. It
features a rectangular tower (likely the original Angevin keep) and
three round towers at the corners, reinforced for stability and defense,
with the top floor later adapted for residential use. The layout centers
around a large inner courtyard (cortile), accessible via a grand
entrance vestibule, which serves as the heart of the complex for
gatherings and circulation.
Entrance and Vestibule: The main
gateway leads to a vestibule, transitioning from the exterior to the
courtyard, with access to the Chapel of San Marco on the right.
Courtyard: A spacious square area with enormous galleries and a
monumental loggia supported by columns, providing access to various
wings; it includes gardens, labyrinths, ponds, and statues for aesthetic
appeal.
Residential Wing (Porticoed Palace): On the left, this later
addition features arcades and rooms for noble living, now housing hotel
accommodations on the upper floors.
Chapel of San Marco: A
rectangular space with a vaulted ceiling, dedicated to the patron saint
of the Castriota family, serving as a private worship area.
Service
Areas: Ground-floor rooms include old kitchens (now the Enogastronomic
Museum), vaults for storage, and armories; upper levels contain salons,
banquet halls, and bedrooms.
Upper Floor and Towers: The towers house
small rooms for defense, while the top floor has been restored for
modern use, including hotel suites with views of the valley.
The
design prioritizes both military resilience (thick walls, strategic
towers) and residential comfort, using local materials like stone for
durability against the region's climate. Its integration with the
village walls underscores its role as a feudal stronghold.
The castle's decorations reflect its evolution from a fortress to a
noble residence, with Renaissance and later influences. The Chapel of
San Marco is the decorative highlight, featuring 15th–16th-century
frescoes in the Mannerist style, possibly by local artist Gianserio
Strafella, depicting biblical scenes, saints, and heraldic motifs in
vivid colors with elongated figures and dramatic compositions. The altar
is intricately carved from stone with religious reliefs.
Interior
salons boast coffered wooden ceilings with geometric patterns, stucco
moldings, and fragmentary frescoes portraying mythological or
allegorical themes symbolizing power and prosperity. The Gambarotta
Museum salons display 17th–20th-century furniture and paintings
collected by the Marchioness, including ornate pieces in classical
styles. Overall, decorations are restrained yet elegant, emphasizing
historical authenticity over opulence, with no major mosaics documented.
Artifacts from Castello di Compiano illuminate its feudal and
cultural history, many displayed in its on-site museums. Excavations
have uncovered medieval pottery, coins from the 13th century (attesting
to Lombard origins), and 16th-century armaments like arrowheads from the
towers. The chapel houses sarcophagi of the Squarciafico marquises,
carved with inscriptions and heraldic symbols as funerary artifacts.
Key collections:
Gambarotta Museum: Features the Marchioness's
art, including 17th–20th-century paintings, medallions, and furniture.
International Masonic Museum (Orizzonti Massonici): Unique in Italy,
with three rooms displaying British Masonic relics (18th–19th centuries)
like medallions, paintings, and honors; includes Italian artifacts from
the Grande Oriente d'Italia.
Enogastronomic Museum: In the old
kitchens, focuses on culinary heritage with tools, recipes, and exhibits
on regional gastronomy.
These discoveries underscore the castle's
multifaceted role, with artifacts preserved on-site or in local
repositories.
As of August 25, 2025, Castello di Compiano is in excellent preserved
condition, owned by the Municipality of Compiano and managed as a
cultural site and 4-star hotel (Castello Di Compiano Hotel Relais
Museum). The top floor houses the hotel, integrating historic salons
with modern comforts, while ground levels host museums and events.
Facilities include a seasonal outdoor swimming pool with views, gardens,
terrace, shared lounge, restaurant (Al Panigaccio, serving Italian
cuisine), bar, games room, free WiFi, family rooms, 24-hour front desk,
paid shuttle, EV charging, and pet-friendly policies. Breakfast options
(continental, buffet, Italian, gluten-free) feature local produce. Guest
reviews rate it highly (9.2/10), praising the magical medieval
atmosphere, kind staff, and unique experience, though some note
challenges like parking distance and stairs.
Visiting is via guided
tours only (included in admission: €10 full, €6 reduced; reservations
recommended). Hours vary seasonally:
January: Open
holidays/pre-holidays until Jan 6.
February: Closed.
March–May,
October–December: Weekends/holidays, tours at 10am–5pm.
June/September: Fri–Mon/holidays, tours at 10am–6pm.
July/August:
Daily, tours at 10am–6pm.
Accessibility is partial (suitable for
families but older sections have stairs). Combine visits with Compiano's
historic center or nearby Parma sites. No major 2025 events are noted,
but it hosts cultural exhibitions, concerts, and gastronomic events
seasonally.
In summary, Castello di Compiano offers a vivid journey
through Emilia-Romagna's medieval legacy, blending fortress austerity
with cultural vibrancy. Its museums and hotel make it a unique
destination for history enthusiasts and travelers seeking an immersive
experience.