Castell’Arquato, Enchanting Medieval Hamlet

Perched on one of the smooth hills drawing the Emilia-Romagna Region’s landscape, Castell’Arquato is an enchanting medieval hamlet and an ideal spot for an off the beaten track daily jaunt from Milan.

The Magnificent Palazzo del Podestà

Castell’Arquato occupies a special place in my heart. I discovered it over 13 years ago thanks to my best friend Stefano (yes, the one with whom I decided in 15 minutes to have a ‘last minute wild trip’ to Australia for New Years’ Eve 3 years ago).

Castell’Arquato occupies a special place in my heart

We used to go there from time to time with a bunch of friends to enjoy a bit of countryside from the big city (Milan) and, most of all, to treat ourselves with excellent food at little prices and spend some time all together.

A Medieval Gem

Many things have changed since then. Most friends of the erstwhile crew married and had children, so the joyful jaunts have become a memory of the past.

Not for Stefano and I, however. As life reserved for both of us a different path, we recently decided on a sunny Sunday to go back and enjoy a few moments of total light-heartlessness. Although we had already visited Castell’Arquato several times in the past years, we got once again fascinated by its beauty and how well preserved is this medieval hamlet.

Imagine the perfect place to wander along tiny cobblestone streets and steep yourself in the past, as the town encompasses the heritage of the late Middle Age and the most powerful Houses which ruled the area until the late Renaissance.

One of the finest medieval squares in Northern Italy

Piazza Municipio, the heart of the hamlet, is one of the finest medieval squares in Northern Italy. There you can admire the ‘Palazzo del Podestà’ – the old Town Hall – whose construction started in 1292 A.D., as well as the ‘Paradise’ Porch (Portico del Paradiso), dating back to the 14th-15th Century and owing its name to the tombs dedicated to famous figures.

Another gem of Castell’Arquato is the ‘Rocca Viscontea’ – the Visconti’s rock -, built between 1342 and 1349 A.D. as a military fortress and one of the most notable examples of its kind in Northern Italy. The top of the tower offers a lovely view on the surrounding landscape and the smooth hills.

The Visconti's Rock

The rock, which over the years kept its medieval taste, was chosen as one of the locations for the filming of Lady Hawke, the fantasy movie starring Michelle Pfeiffer, Rutger Hauer and Matthew Broderick.

Dating back to the 12th Century, the ‘Collegiata di Santa Maria’ – the collegiate church -, whose apse contributes to the beauty of the square, is one of the oldest church in the area.

The View from the Tower

For those interested in historical reenacting, the town hosts several events among which ‘Rivivi il Medioevo’. Held in the first fortnight of September, this 2-days celebration includes tournaments with old armors and other shows inspired to the Middle Age.

A great choice for food and wine lovers…

Besides its cultural and historical appeal, Castell’Arquato and the surrounding area is an excellent choice for wine and food lovers.

Amazing Food Specialties of Emilia-Romagna

A good option for an excellent lunch or dinner is moving to the less touristy town Vigolo Marchese. At the Trattoria del Turista you can savor the regional culinary specialties, among which the ‘must taste’ are ‘Gnocco fritto’, a crusty fried bred that comes with local cold meat, and ‘Tortelli alla Piacentina’, a delicious home made pasta filled with ricotta cheese and spinach, dressed with butter sauce, sage and a generous portion of grated Parmesan. Heavenly…

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