Rocca Sanvitale, Medieval castle in Fontanellato, Italy
Rocca Sanvitale is a medieval castle in Fontanellato with a square layout and four corner towers surrounded by a wide moat fed by natural spring water. The fortress contains decorated rooms, a working camera obscura, and spaces that visitors can explore on guided tours.
The fortress was built in 1124 as a defense tower by the Pallavicino family and served as a residence for centuries. The Sanvitale family took control around the 14th century and remained owners until the mid-20th century.
The castle is known for its connection to Renaissance art, particularly the frescoes painted by Parmigianino inside its rooms. Visitors can see these artworks that depict mythological scenes and reflect the refined taste of the families who lived here.
The interior is open to visitors, who are best served by coming on clear days to fully enjoy the moat and surrounding views. Guided tours help explain the different rooms and special features of the fortress.
The castle houses one of Italy's few working camera obscura devices, which projects images of the surrounding square onto an interior wall through a mirror system. This optical device was a wonder of the 16th century and remains a hands-on experience for visitors today.
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