Casalgrande Castle, Medieval castle in Casalgrande, Italy

Casalgrande Castle is a 15th-century stone fortress situated on elevated terrain in Emilia Romagna, equipped with defensive walls and architectural features typical of medieval military design. The structure displays characteristic towers and reinforced walls from that period, which still retain their original form today.

The castle was probably built in the 13th century by the Guidelli family, local lords who expanded it and ruled it throughout that century. In 1335 it passed to the Fogliani family, who held it for about a century, and in 1452 Borso d'Este, Duke of Ferrara, granted it as a fief to Feltrino Boiardo, lord of Scandiano. On 15 November 1557 Spanish troops under Ottavio Farnese, Duke of Parma, plundered and destroyed it; Count Ottavio I Thiene ordered the castle and village rebuilt in 1560.

The Oratory of San Sebastiano, built in 1479 along the old access road, is dedicated to Casalgrande's second patron saint, credited with saving the population from the plague. Deconsecrated but used for Mass until the mid-20th century, it now hosts cultural events and weddings.

The best approach is via the A1 motorway toward the Modena exit, then along regional road SS467 heading toward Casalgrande Alto. It helps to wear comfortable walking shoes, as reaching the castle and exploring the grounds involves walking on uneven or sloped terrain.

From the castle's elevated position, you can gaze across Reggio Emilia province and understand how its location once provided strategic control and protection. This vantage point reveals why people chose this spot for defense long ago and why its position still feels commanding today.