Canossa Castle, Medieval castle ruins in Reggio Emilia, Italy
Canossa is a castle built on a sandstone cliff in the Apennine Mountains, displaying walls and fortifications from different periods of construction. The various building phases are still visible in the remains of towers, gateways, and defensive structures scattered across the site.
The fortress was founded around 940 and became the site of a major church conflict in 1077 when the German emperor came seeking forgiveness. This moment shifted power between secular rulers and the church in ways that echoed through medieval Europe.
The fortress served as a power base for Matilda of Tuscany, a woman who shaped medieval politics in northern Italy. Today, visitors can see rooms and spaces tied to her influence and the life of the court.
Wear sturdy footwear because the path to the ruins climbs a steep hillside with uneven terrain. There is a museum at the base that explains the structure and history, helping visitors understand what they see among the remains.
The fortress was designed with three concentric walls with barracks built between them, creating layered defense zones. This three-part system made it one of the most heavily fortified strongholds in the region during the medieval period.
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