Grazzano Visconti: picturesque village with a medieval appearance

Along the Val Nure Provincial Road, between Podenzano and Vigolzone, lies the charming village of Grazzano Visconti, recognized as a “City of Art” by the Emilia Romagna Region in 1986 and where time seems to have stopped in the Middle Ages.

The history of Grazzano has been linked to the Anguissola family for centuries, but it was Giuseppe Visconti di Modrone, an ingenious and cultured Milanese nobleman, who in the early 1900s decided to create a picturesque village with a medieval appearance. A rare example of revivalist architecture (in vogue in Europe between the nineteenth and twentieth centuries), combined with a passion for scenography and a love of tradition, is what allows visitors today to feel catapulted back in time at least 700 years.

What to see

The village, which is still inhabited today, is accessible year-round; it is especially attractive to visit during costume events in spring and fall, or during Advent when the Christmas Markets are held.

The village itself, with its narrow white streets, small houses with frescoed facades, arcades, statues, etc., is worth seeing.

The Parish Church of Saints Cosmas and Damian is the oldest building in the village; however, its present appearance is that due to 17th-century renovations. Inside is the Chapel of Our Lady of Lourdes with numerous votive offerings.

In Biscione Square are the Palace of the Institution, the Biscione Hotel and the Well.

La Cortevecchia has a small museum of agricultural implements housed under the long portico and the Statue of Aloisa, the famous ghost of Grazzano Visconti.

The Wax Museum houses statues of characters related to Piacenza’s history, told during the guided tour.

The Torture Museum, small but complete, is housed in the Palazzetto dell’Istituzione. Torture instruments are accompanied by explanatory panels. Adjacent to the Museum is an Escape Room themed “Inquisition.”

The cottages-which are inhabited-cannot be visited, but the numerous craft and souvenir stores are open all year round, on weekends and holidays.

The Castle and the Historic Castle Park: The castle, with its dual residential and defensive function, dates back to 1395. Completely renovated and redecorated by Giuseppe Visconti di Modrone according to the eclectic taste of the time, the castle now belongs to the duke’s heirs.

The magnificent mansion can be visited from March to October with paid admission and a guided tour. For individuals, the castle is open on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, while groups can book a visit on their preferred days and times.
The tour includes the Courtyard, the richly furnished state rooms on the ground floor (the Hall of Honor, library, dining room) and the bedrooms on the second floor.

The Castle Park designed at the behest of Giuseppe Visconti covers about 15 hectares. It is the place dedicated to relaxation and enjoyment, with partly English and partly Italian gardens. Decorating the open space are statues, vases, columns, fountains and, of course, a wide variety of trees and shrubs. The little girls’ house looks like something out of a fairy tale.
The park can be visited with paid admission for both individuals and groups in different ways.

When to visit

  • The Historical Pageant on the last Sunday in May, an event in medieval costume, is the most traditional event.
  • Numerous other events with medieval or fantasy settings, suitable for everyone or aimed especially at children and young people, take place in the months from spring to fall.
  • Verde Grazzano, a floral and nursery event held on the last weekend of September in the castle park
  • Christmas markets are held in the village on weekends and other predefined dates from mid-November to January 6

 

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