Canossa Castle, Canossa
Canossa Castle (Castello di Canossa) in the commune of the same name in present time represents only a shadow of its former grandeur. Situated on the top of the hill, its ruins are now being actively restored, attracting more and more tourists and patrons every year. After all, this castle has a very rich and ancient history.
History of the castle
The fortress at the foothills of the Apennines was erected in 940 by Count Mantua Adalberto Atto. It also included a monastery and was beautifully protected by a triple circle of walls. In 950 the fortress withstood a three-year siege, then the Empress of the Holy Roman Empire Adelaide of Burgundy was hidding here. The famous Walk to Canossa of Emperor Henry IV was completed in 1077, under the walls of the castle, after which he reconciled with Pope Gregory VII. After the death of the owner of the castle, Matilda of Tuscany, it was constantly passed from hand to hand. After long medieval troubles, in 1409, the castle became the property of the ancient Este family, which owned it until 1796. After the Napoleonic Wars, the castle was taken by Count Valentini in 1819, and in 1878 the fortress was bought by the state. Then it was declared a National Monument. Despite the high status, the castle eventually collapsed and fell into decay. In 2000, the cultural organization Matilde di Canossa was established, which began to restore the fortress.
Museum
At the foot of the hill, on which the ruins of the castle tower, there is a museum. Excursions, exhibitions, seminars and conferences are regularly conducted here. All its activities are aimed at active restoration of the fortress, and the profit from tickets goes exactly to these needs. During the tour you can visit the ruined fortress itself, from which you can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the surrounding countryside.
How to get there
The castle and museum are located in the commune of Canossa, in the Località Castello di Canossa, 20. It is 25 km southwest of the city of Reggio Emilia. From the latter, from Porta San Pietro station, you can take bus 3B48 to Ciano D'enza, where you need to transfer to bus 3B53, and proceed to Rossena stop – Incrocio Canossa. From there to the castle it is another 20 minutes walk. If you are traveling by car, from Reggio Emilia take the SS63 motorway, then go along roads SP23 and SP73, following the signs to Canossa.
Opening hours: from November to April from 9:30 to 17:00, from May to October – from 10:00 to 19:00. Monday is the day off. Phone number (+39) 0522 877104.
Admission: ticket price is 4 euros. There is also the possibility of a voluntary donation for the restoration of the castle. Data of June 2018.
