Grazzano Visconti
The Medieval Castle of Grazzano Visconti
The castle of Grazzano Visconti is a historical wonder located in the hamlet of Grazzano, in the province of Piacenza. It was built in 1395 by Giovanni Anguissola and has been the site of many fascinating historical events, some of which have been reproduced in films.
The ancient history of the castle
The history of the castle of Grazzano Visconti dates back to the year 1000, when some lands were donated to the Basilica of San Savino in Piacenza. In 1395, the castle was built by Giovanni Anguissola after his marriage to Beatrice Visconti, sister of the Duke of Milan Gian Galeazzo. In 1414, the investiture of the castle of Grazzano and other nearby castles was granted to Bernardo Anguissola by the emperor Sigismondo of Luxembourg. However, due to the hostility of the noble families of Piacenza, Bernardo was unable to impose his power on the area until 1438, when the Duke of Milan Filippo Maria Visconti granted independence from the jurisdiction of the municipality of Piacenza.
The battle of 1462
In 1462, a battle took place near the castle of Grazzano between 500 soldiers sent by the Sforza family to quell the revolt and the rebels. Many of the rebels, including Count Onofrio Anguissola, were taken prisoner, while the leader of the uprising, Giacomo Pelizzari, also known as "Pelloia," committed suicide.
Struggles against the French
In 1521, French troops led by the condottiero Lautrec set fire to and destroyed the castle of Grazzano. In 1547, the castle was the site where the meetings took place that led to the conspiracy culminating in the assassination of Duke Pier Luigi Farnese by Giovanni Anguissola. After Giovanni went into exile, the castle passed to the Anguissola family of Vigolzone, Folignano and San Polo.
The future of the castle
In 1689, the castle of Grazzano underwent renovation work, including the replacement of the drawbridge with a new structure made of masonry. In 1599, the Grazzano feud was elevated to a marquisate by the Farnese dukes. Currently, the castle of Grazzano Visconti is open to the public and has become a tourist destination for families and history buffs. The castle is one of the oldest and best-preserved historical buildings in Italy, with a historical reconstruction of the medieval period. Moreover, it currently hosts cultural events such as exhibitions and markets, and it is possible to stay inside. Undoubtedly, the castle of Grazzano Visconti represents a valuable opportunity to connect with Italian culture and history and to admire the beauty of a unique architecture.
