Castle of Bianello, Medieval castle on hilltop in Quattro Castella, Italy
Castle of Bianello stands on one of four hills in the Reggio Apennines and features a polygonal structure with a western tower rising through five levels. The building combines medieval fortification elements within a compact layout typical of defensive strongholds in this region.
Built as a watchtower in the 10th century, the stronghold gained prominence when a countess received an emperor here in 1111 and became Imperial Vicar. This event marked a turning point in the site's political importance.
The castle displays a 14th-century portrait of a countess holding a pomegranate flower, a visual reminder of the noble connections and power that centered on this site. The image reflects how this place mattered to regional nobility and their legacy.
The best time to visit is from March to November when tours are available. Bring comfortable shoes since climbing to the hilltop is steep and pathways inside the site are uneven.
Among the four castles in this area, Bianello is the only one that kept its original shape over centuries while others underwent major rebuilding. This consistency makes it a rare example of medieval construction that avoided substantial later changes.
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