Location: Compiano, Parma Map
Constructed: 9th century by Lombards
Castello di Compiano is located in Compiano, Parma region in Italy. The first military fortifications of Castello di Compiano were constructed here by the Lombard barbarian tribes in the 9th century. Lombards this stronghold as a base for control of an important trade route between Liguria and Emilia. During medieval times the citadel of Castello di Compiano was increased in size and protection. By the 16th century Castello di Compiano lost much of its military purpose. Castle's owners opened their state school here, minted their own currency and orphanage.
The first historical testimony of the castle, probably existing from
the 9th century, dates back to 1141 when it was owned by the Malaspina
family who sold it to the Municipality of Piacenza. Between 1200 and
1257 the Landi took possession of the territory, after the period of
struggles between Guelphs and Ghibellines they consolidated control over
the neighboring valleys with the dominion of Borgotaro and the castle of
Bardi. Their power grew until Filippo Maria Visconti accused them of
rebellion and the feud passed to the Piccinino family, to return to the
Landis upon his death. The castle then passed, together with the feud of
Bardi, to the Farnese (year 1682).
The castle is currently owned
by the municipality.
It has the shape of an irregular quadrilateral built around the
internal courtyard, three towers, one semicircular, one square and one
with a circular base protrude from the corners. Access, in a single
point, is allowed by a masonry bridge preceded by a particular
semicircular ravelin. Inside, richly decorated halls host luxurious
antique furnishings. Some premises also host a Masonic museum.
The hamlet
Triangular in shape, it is completely surrounded by walls
with turrets and bastions of various shapes. Particularly well
preserved, it is crossed by narrow streets, sees the castle and the
church at the highest ends. It is part of the circuit of the most
beautiful villages in Italy.