My travels in Italy took me to Emilia
Italy is gorgeous and I’m delighted to have Emilia to my list of places visited. It is home to the historic Torrechiara Castle (Castello di Torrechiara) is a 15th-century castle near Langhirano, in the province of Parma, northern Italy (this is also where prosciutto is made!!!) It sits atop a really beautiful hill south of the city of Parma, in a strategic position overlooking the Parma river in the valley below.
Castello di Torrechiara was commissioned by Pier Maria II de’ Rossi, the fourth count of San Secondo, and built between 1448 and 1460.
The castle was built for two purposes; as a defensive fortification and as a noble residence for de Rossi’s beloved long-time mistress, Bianca Pellegrini d’Arluno. Bianca was buried in Torrechiara after her death, around 1480. Pier Maria retired to Torrechiara in 1482, where he died later that year. They were both buried in the castle, in the Oratory of San Nicomede in the northeast tower.
The castle changed hands many times over the centuries. Finally, in 1911, the castle was declared a national monument and the following year it was purchased, unfurnished, by the Italian State, which opened it to the public. There is a fireplace in EVERY room, and rich frescoes adorn the walls. It really is stunningly symmetrical + beautiful. ✨
And then, lunch at Taverna Del Castello – Castello Torrechiara which I cannot recommend enough! The flavors, wine, history and foods of this region are insane. Loved every moment of it! Thank you to our dear friends Sara (one of my best friends from when I was 17!!!) + Emanuele for having us at their home over the weekend and being wonderful tour guides!
Check out a photo from their session at the castle by Collin!🤩✨
Allora, Parmigiano: Fattoria Rossi
Pranzo: Taverna del Castello
Castello: Castello di Torrechiara
