A beautiful vacation in Le Dimore Del Borgo Del Balsamico, situated in Botteghe di Albinea, in the district of Reggio Emilia, in Emilia-Romagna, is a great occasion to visit the castles and museums between the districts of Parma and Reggio Emilia.
LANGHIRANO
In Langhirano, a small town in the district of Parma, we find the Castle of Torrechiara. It has medieval origin and was rebuilt in the following centuries, it has 5 towers, panoramic loggias and beautiful frescoes in the indoor halls. It is a national monument and is one of the best preserved castles in Italy.
Castle of Torrechiara
In the center there is also the Museum of the Resurgence, dediicated to Faustino Tanara, a garibaldian born in Langhirano. The museum presents the history of the resurgence divided into two sections: one dedicated to Colonel Tanara and the other to the Mutual Relief Society of Langhirano.
Another interesting point is the Ham Museum, built to promote one of the main products in this area: Parma’s ham. Inside, there is a photographic and multimedia exhibition on production techniques and a tasting room for local cured meats.
CANOSSA
The Canossa Castle, in the homonym municipality, is a medieval fortress. In 1077, owned by Matilde of Canossa, the castle was the protagonist of the Humiliation of Canossa, when Henry IV went to the Pope, who was guest of Matilde, to avoid excommunication.
ROSSENA
The Castle of Rossena, also belonging to Matilde, is located a few kilometers from Canossa, but is much better preserved. The walls and the original fortified towner are still intact, and the restorations of the following centuries have allowed its use until today.
Castle of Rossena
GUASTALLA
In the town of Guastalla, in the district of Reggio Emilia, there’s Palazzo Gonzaga or Palazzo Ducale. Built in the 15th century, today it houses the Town Museum offering a breakthrough on the history of Guastalla, the Duchy and the Gonzaga era.
SCANDIANO
In the old town of Scandiano there’s the Rocca dei Boiardo, a building dating back to the twelfth century. Built for defensive purposes, the fortress was part of the first living nucleus around which the town developed. Since the 15th century it was used as a residence of the Boiardo family and named after it, later it was inhabited by the Marquises d’Este. Today we can visit several rooms rich of frescoes and decorations and the Estense Apartment is still considered the most beautiful part of the Rocca.
Another symbol of Scandiano is the Clock Tower. It is called the “Campanone” by the inhabitants and was built in the fifteenth century and the clock and bell were installed only a century later. The tower, in the past, was situated at the entrance of the village and still delimits the entrance to the old town of Scandiano.
House of Tibet, Votigno
VOTIGNO
In Votigno, a small medieval hamlet, there’s the House of Tibet. Created in 1990, it is an area dedicated to the culture of this magnificent country. The area includes a Tibetan temple, a collection of Tibetan objects, clothes and crafts. There are also exhibitions at an international level. The aim of the Museum is to spread the message of peace and brotherhood that is the basis of this culture. Among the most exciting moments of the museum there are the visit and speech of the XIV Dalai Lama, spiritual guide of Tibet, during the inauguration of the Museum.
