Castle of Arceto

The Castle of Arceto is a fortress surrounded by an elliptical moat, with a central courtyard displaying classical architectural features and a monumental staircase built in 1750. The layout combines medieval defensive structures with more refined rooms added over the centuries.

The fortress first appeared in written records from Nonantola in 883 and later received imperial backing when Emperor Otto I granted it to the Bishops of Reggio Emilia in 962. This early transfer placed it under church control and made it a key power base in the region.

The Oratory of Saint Rocco sits within the courtyard and was built in 1570 by the ruling Thiene family as a space for their daily devotion. It shows how faith was woven into the everyday life of those who lived here.

The castle sits near Scandiano and is reachable by car via local roads to the town. Wear comfortable shoes to explore the courtyards and different levels of the structure at your own pace.

The restoration completed around 2000 used traditional terra cotta tiles that match the original medieval floor patterns. This careful approach shows how modern craftspeople honored the historical materials and techniques of earlier residents.