A MEDIEVAL VILLAGE AND ITS CASTLE

Borgo di Vigoleno, a hamlet of the municipality of Vernasca, stands out for the elegance of its forms and the integrity of its defence system.

Certified as being one of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy and awarded an Orange Flag by the Italian Touring Club, Vigoleno is a perfect example of the living logic of the Middle Ages.

THE CASTLE OF VIGOLENO

The imposing crenellated walls are dominated by the quadrangular keep with its embrasures, brackets and Ghibelline battlements, with four storeys worth visiting. A patrol walkway connects it to the Castle-Palazzo Scotti, now privately owned, which preserves the elegant furnished rooms and the delightful little Ruspoli Gramont theatre from the 1920s, a Historical Theatre of Emilia Romagna and, with its 12 seats, one of the smallest in Europe.

THE PARISH CHURCH OF SAN GIORGIO

From the main square, where the 16th-century fountain, the Oratory of the Blessed Virgin of Graces and the icehouse cistern are all located, walk to the other end of the village to reach the Romanesque church of San Giorgio, a rare example of pure Romanesque style. Lovers of the Middle Ages and its iconographic repertoire will not be disappointed: the entrance portal with its bas-relief of St. George slaying the dragon, the interior columns with their marvellous 12th-century capitals, and the traces of Renaissance frescoes all paint a picture of great charm.

ORATORY BEATA VERGINE DELLE GRAZIE

Built in the 16th century in late Mannerist style with Lombard influences, it stands on the ancient foundations of a place of refreshment for pilgrims and merchants passing through, as evidenced by the image of San Rocco on the neighbouring building, one of the oldest bas-reliefs in the village. Today it is an auditorium and exhibition space; inside, on the high altar, you can still admire the 1515 fresco that gives the oratory its name.

THE CISTERN ICEHOUSE

Everyone wonders what that kind of dome in the paving of the square is? An icebox! The first evidence of its use for food preservation and ageing of the traditional Vin Santo of Vigoleno dates back to 1584: snow was fed from the side grates in winter. It consists of a basement room with a brick barrel ceiling: in the centre is the well from which water was drawn during famines and sieges.

VISIT THE VILLAGE OF VIGOLENO

Architect Manrico Bissi, a Piacenza historian and expert in local history, has dedicated an in-depth research project to Vigoleno entitled ‘Vigoleno – viaggio nell’anima del medioevo’ (Vigoleno – a journey into the soul of the Middle Ages).

An excellent opportunity to learn more about the culture and origins of the village.

EVENTS IN VIGOLENO

VINOLENO d’estate – la festa del vino a Vigoleno

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WE ARE IN THE UPPER VAL D'ARDA

The Alta Val d’Arda is the easternmost Apennine part of the valley in the province of Piacenza, bordering on the province of Parma.  
It has the irresistible charm of a land waiting to be discovered: a treasure chest of history, art, nature and flavours, for those who love to travel far from mass tourism.