Things to do in Province of Reggio Emilia, Emilia-Romagna: The Best Architectural Buildings

Halfway between Reggio Emilia and Parma, the Castle of Montecchio Emilia dominates the town historic centre. The beautiful building lies on a place inhabited since the Roman and Barbarian ages, but its first fortified structure dates back to the XIIth Century. The earliest walls rise on a burial ground, along the valley of the river Enza. Its strategic position allows the Fortress to serve as a military post and a symbol of power. During the centuries, the Castle of Montecchio passes from the hands of the archbishop of Parma and his allies Vicedomini, to the hands of important families such as Visconti. During the XVth Century the town falls under the dominion of the Este; in 1562 Don Alfonso d'Este obtains the title of Marquisate for the town and the Castle becomes a noble residence. The Este rule Montecchio Emilia until the unification of Italy in 1861. From the late XVIIIth Century up to the 1960 the Castle serves as a local prison.

The Ducal Palace is the most representative monument in Guastalla. For long time it has been seat of the aristicratic court, now it hosts several public and private services. The Palace tells a long and complex history of sovereignty. Built at the beginning of the 16th century as the "new" dwelling of the Torello counts, with the advent of Gonzaga family in 1539 the ancient building was transformed into a royal residence. Works were entrusted by Francesco Capriani, known as Volterra, which defined its structure as a square courtyard surrounded by porch. The building will be concluded at the beginning of the 17th century. It underwent several restorations during the 19th century and, in 1908, it became the private residence of Mossina family. From 2000 it belongs to public ownership. The north side of the main floor hosts the Maldotti Quadreria, a selection of about fifty paintings belonging to the historical Maldotti Library.