Castello di Castelcorniglio, 16th century castle in Solignano, Italy.
Castello di Castelcorniglio is a stone fortress situated on the left side of Val Pessola valley with four corner towers and three inner courtyards enclosed by defensive walls. The layout shows typical early modern defensive design with distinct areas for different functions and activities.
The fortress was built around 1550 and later passed through noble families including the Pallavicino and Conti Valeri. The Rugarli family maintained feudal rights over the castle until 1805, marking the end of medieval lordship structures.
The library here holds books from the 16th and 19th centuries, along with collections like Napoleonic soldier figurines that reflect the intellectual life of the families who lived here. These objects show how people at the castle kept up with the wider world.
The site is located in Solignano in Parma province and can be found using standard navigation information. Access is straightforward, but it is worth checking in advance which areas are open to visitors, as not all sections are accessible at all times.
Inside the castle's inner courtyard stands an ancient well that local tradition claims was used for executing prisoners. This dark chapter of the past remains woven into the stories people tell about the building today.
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