Castello di Carpineti, Medieval fortress in Carpineti, Italy

Castello di Carpineti is a ruined medieval hilltop castle in Carpineti, in the province of Reggio Emilia. It stands above the valleys of the Secchia and Tresinaro rivers and is one of the largest castles in the Reggio Apennines. Beside the entrance to the castle ruins is the church of Sant'Andrea, consecrated in 1117.

The castle belonged to Countess Matilda of Canossa, who made it her preferred seat. In 1077 Pope Gregory VII took refuge there from Henry IV and dated many acts of his government from Carpineti. In 1092 Matilda held a placito there with Eriberto, bishop of Reggio, and other prelates to decide whether to continue the war against Henry IV; a second placito followed in 1114.

The church of Sant'Andrea stands beside the castle entrance, not inside the fortress, and was consecrated in 1117. The castle itself was Countess Matilda of Canossa's preferred residence: she dated many government acts from Carpineti and held a placito there in 1092 with Bishop Eriberto of Reggio and other prelates to decide whether to continue the war against Henry IV. A second placito followed in 1114.

The castle stands on a hill above Carpineti, between the Secchia and Tresinaro valleys, and the church of Sant'Andrea is beside the entrance. The sources give no restoration dates, so check locally before relying on access details. Sturdy footwear helps on the uneven hillside ground.

The castle is one of the largest in the Reggio Emilia Apennines, straddling the Secchia and Tresinaro valleys. Its name appears in the sources as Castello delle Carpinete, and the church of Sant'Andrea stands beside the entrance, consecrated in 1117.