Castle of Compiano, Medieval castle in Compiano, Italy

The Castle of Compiano is a medieval fortress perched on a hilltop in Val di Taro within Parma province, offering sweeping views across Emilia-Romagna's landscapes. Inside, ancient furnishings and exhibitions showcase how noble residents once lived within these walls.

The castle, probably existing since the 9th century, is first documented in 1141, when the Malaspina family held it and ceded it to the Commune of Piacenza. Between 1200 and 1257 the Landi took over the territory and ruled the area for 425 consecutive years, forming the small independent Landi State. In 1682 the fief passed with Bardi to the Farnese, and in the 18th century to the Borbone; in 1821 Maria Luigia of Austria used the castle as a state prison for Carbonari captives. Before World War II it housed a girls' orphanage; after the war Marchioness Lina Raimondi Gambarotta bought it and on her death in 1987 left it to the municipality of Compiano.

Since July 2002 the castle has housed the International Masonic Museum Orizzonti Massonici, the only museum of its kind in Italy. Its three rooms hold medallions, paintings and honours of 18th- and 19th-century British Masonic symbolism; Room 33 displays Italian objects presented by the Grande Oriente d'Italia - Palazzo Giustiniani.

Visit through guided tours that lead you through the rooms and explain the history and collections on display. Wear sturdy shoes, as the climb to the hilltop and the stairs inside can be demanding.

The Masonic museum opened in July 2002 and is described as the only one of its kind in Italy. Its three rooms hold medallions, paintings and honours of 18th- and 19th-century British Masonic symbolism; the third, Room 33, displays Italian objects presented by the Grande Oriente d'Italia - Palazzo Giustiniani.