Castle of Canossa, Medieval fortress in Reggio Emilia, Italy.
The Castle of Canossa is a ruin perched on a white sandstone cliff in the Apennines, displaying preserved walls and fortification structures from its medieval period. The site combines castle remains with a museum that exhibits archaeological finds from the excavations.
The castle was founded around 940 and gained significance in 1077 when Emperor Henry IV sought absolution from the Pope at this location. This moment marked a turning point in the conflict between secular and religious authority.
The Naborre Campanini Museum displays objects found during excavations, showing how people lived and worked in the region during medieval times. The items reveal local crafts and daily practices from that era.
Access is via marked hiking trails through the countryside, with guided tours available from April through October being the best visiting season. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water for the walk, as the paths can be uneven.
The castle featured a triple defensive wall system protecting both the noble residence and a Benedictine monastery with roughly a dozen monks living on site. This pairing of secular and religious structures in one fortified location shows how power and spirituality were closely intertwined here.
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