castello di torrechiara

We were on a road trip from Parma to La Spezia and had to stop off to see this gorgeous castle on the way. My seven year old daughter loved exploring the castle rooms and getting up high to see the views. There is a point near the top when you can see through the brick floor all the way down to the bottom; scary heights!!We spent a good hour looking round the castle and the grounds; very interesting. I would certiainly recommend a visit if your in the area.Parking can be found free of charge either on the lower cark park if you fancy a walk up the hill, or on the car park near to the entrance. It's only three euro to enter, so a cheap visit too!

Torrechiara provides magnificent view, as it's a great construction in fully original state. Unfortunately, the castle's interior has been gutted of everything by the previous owners before sale of the castle, so there's literally nothing to see inside but frescoes decorating the walls and ceilings. Thus, if admiring great constructions and wall paintings is for you, then it's worth a visit. If, like us, you are more into learning the history and admiring the interiors and the way they used to be furnished, it's a waste of time. Parking tip: try going as high as possible with your car, ignoring the first car park downhill, there's another one just next to the entrance.

Happened upon this place while on a road trip through the region and was well rewarded with the experience of the castle's dramatic hilltop setting and good state of build. It was also reassuringly cheap at 3 euro per person admission. The interior decor may well have inspired 'mad' King Ludwig of Bavaria in it's operatic splendour, and we were delighted by the views out across the rolling valleys from the castle's upper floor balconies. Would also recommend the adjoining restaurant for an evening meal, but be sure to book ahead.For those with limited mobility, there is a lift installed in the castle to reach upper floor, and comfortable modern toilet facilities. If coming on a quiet day, ignore the big lower car park, as you can drive well up to park at a higher spot right outside the castle's main gate.

This castle is entire and in excellent conditionThe frescos are amazing in each of the rooms on the piano mobile. The highlights being the Golden Room and the hall with the jugglersThe Borgo beneath is also in great conditionDefinitely worth a visit and the restaurant is great -Taverna del Castello

Years ago I traveled extensively in Italy as an art history student and saw many of the best frescoes--but I was taken by surprise by the high quality of the frescoes in this Castello (which we had added on as a stop partly because of the famous salumeria down the hill). Everything here is so well-preserved--really impressive!

Simply worth to visit. The castle has got a very good-looking appearance from a distance as it respects an harmonic scale. There are many painted walls inside and an interesting "golden room" where some renmants of gold coat are still visibile onto "formella".

very impressive, in a good condition, very interesting painted walls and ceilings, beautiful panorama, cheap, quiet

This is a truly wonderful site. First, there's the view from the castle, with rolling hills to one side and river valley to the other. Then, there's the solid blockiness of the castle itself, imposing and commanding. Then inside are the magnificent frescoes--lively, inventive, and definitely not stodgy religious themes. We were glad this was the day's main destination so that we could take the time to wander slowly, alternate between art and landscape, then return to rooms to look again. The castle was a grand reward for the long walk up the hill.

A must see if you're anywhere near Parma! Someone told us that you had to park at the bottom of the hill and walk up. We were able to drive up and there is a little parking up there.

Stands out over the countryside, and remains a working residence after extensive modification. Great example of how sturdy old construction can continue to serve for centuries.

We caught the number 12 bus from Parma to the castle. Its only about 40 minutes away and the countryside was lovely - blnketed in white as there had been snow in the days beforehand.The castle, although empty, is impressive and the frescos just stunning. The views over the surrounding countryside are breathtaking. All this at 3 euros a person! Highly recommended as is the little pizzeria (Sant Elena) on the corner of the road leading up to the castle.

Lovely restaurant outside parma but a nice drive, we on on bike. its got a little outdoor area and good local food, we went for lunch.

A friend from Parma took us to see this castle. The architecture was beautiful, as were the views. The frescos were very interesting to see. There are a lots of opportunities for some great photos.The castle was built in the mid 1400s. There is period furniture to see. My favorite part was being able to look out over Parma and see the buildings and farmland. It was really pretty.

We had a very nice lunch in the Taverna di Castello and then we paid a modest six Euros to tour the castle, which had spectacular painted ceilings and walls and an absolutely gorgeous view of the surrounding area.

It's really cool to have free rein to Tralee about the castle and the views as well as the frescos are AMAZING! There is a little trattoria in the village just outside the gate of the castle that is yummy if you get hungry while your there.