Rocca Viscontea, Medieval fortress in Castell'Arquato, Italy
Rocca Viscontea is a medieval fortress on a hilltop with a central tower and two rectangular courtyards built entirely of red bricks. The structure overlooks the Val d'Arda valley and now houses a museum displaying war machines and construction tools from the 14th century.
The fortress was commissioned by Piacenza in 1342 and completed by Luchino Visconti in 1347. After serving as a military outpost, it was used as a prison until the 1960s.
The name Viscontea comes from the Visconti family who commissioned its construction. Visitors today walk through rooms displaying everyday medieval objects and military equipment that show how people lived and prepared for defense.
Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for slopes, as the climb to the fortress can be tiring. The site requires physical effort, especially on warm days, so arriving earlier in the day is advisable.
The fortress served as a filming location in 1985 for the movie Ladyhawke with Michelle Pfeiffer and Rutger Hauer. These film scenes brought international attention to the site and made it known far beyond the local region.
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