Castello di Bargone, Medieval castle in Salsomaggiore Terme, Italy.

Castello di Bargone is a medieval fortress in Salsomaggiore Terme built around a central square courtyard surrounded by high stone and brick walls. A commanding fortified tower rises above the complex, creating a distinctive silhouette that can be seen from the surrounding area.

The castle was built at the end of the 10th century for the Diocese of Parma, probably on earlier remains. In 1191 Emperor Henry VI sold the fiefs of Bargone and Borgo San Donnino to Piacenza for 2000 imperial lire, but Parma recovered the castle in 1198. Parma dismantled it after 1267; Gherardo de' Rangoni rebuilt it in the early 14th century, and Ottobuono de' Terzi destroyed it in 1405. In 1587 the Farnese dukes of Parma took it, selling it in 1650 to Marquis Felice Mari of Genoa.

The name Bargone comes from the Lombard word for a border stronghold. The Pratolongo family, who acquired the castle in the first half of the 18th century, used the surrounding land and the large cellars for wine production, an activity still carried on today. Visitors have long reported ghostly presences, though these have almost entirely ceased since the early 21st century.

The castle is located on Via Bargone Castello 60 near Salsomaggiore Terme and is accessible by car. Visitors should verify in advance whether tours are available, as this is a private property without standard visiting hours.

The salon's decoration was painted between 1864 and 1884 by the stage designer Girolamo Magnani, who depicted the castle at different times of day and four landscapes, one for each season. The cellars next to the old prisons are still used for wine production.