Grazzano Visconti is a fairy-tale borgo consisting in a hamlet of the municipality of Vigolzone loated at the entrance of the suggestive Valle Nure south-east of the provincial capital Piacenza, an area part of a flat basin a short distance from rolling hills that produce D.O.C. wines of great prestige in Emilia Romagna.
Already known in the 12th century when in 1114 it appeared in historical archives, maps and official documents, this locality takes its name from Graccus Graccianus, an influential local figure who in the Middle Ages was a rich landowner despite the fact that until the 1900s this village was simply called Grazzano.
The second name derives from the link with the famous Visconti dynasty known for having been for centuries at the head of the Duchy of Milan, a name that was established for reasons of inheritance acquired by family ties.
You can start your journey from the medieval castle that was erected as a stronghold to defend the southern limits of the Duchy of Milan during the era of Gian Galeazzo Visconti, riginally built in 1395 at the behest of Giuseppe Anguissola, a nobleman from Piacenza, husband of Beatrice Visconti, sister of Duke Gian Galeazzo.
The manor remained the property of the Anguissola dynasty until 1884 when Count Filippo and his son died and without any direct heir everything became the property of his wife Fanny Visconti di Modrone who then sold the entire area to his brother Guido Visconti.
Count Giuseppe Visconti, father of the film director Luchino, as hereditary owner, decided to add the family surname to the toponym "Grazzano", also deciding to re-establish in style the village with its decadent appearance with the buildings that appeared at the beginning of the 20th century in dilapidated conditions.
The idea was to reproduce a 15th century scenario with new structures similar to those developed in the Duchy of Milan and the talented architect Alfredo Campanini was called for this project with works that lasted for nine years from 1906 to 1915.
You can focus on the Castle, totally renovated, completely renovated in brick respecting the building canons in use in the Middle Ages with architectural concepts very faithful to the originals.
There is an alternating use of banded materials, the use of terracotta elements on a stone background, the restoration of the four imposing quadrangular towers erected in every cardinal point like the traditional Visconti strongholds and tall buildings developed on three sides of the nucleus with the
The fourth quarter is occupied by Ghibelline crenellated walls. The façades were embellished with noble graffiti reminiscent of the traditional Lombard decorative taste of the Middle Ages and partially similar to some corners of the Milanese Sforza Castle and other Visconti fortresses still visible today.
The nucleus has a set of houses and farmhouses developed on two floors that with their fascinating image revive the glories of the past, faithfully reproduced reflecting the typical style in use from the 11th to the 14th century including some frescoes on walls painted in quadrangular sections next to ducal coats of arms.
Some spaces are reminiscent of well-known Milanese places such as Piazza Mercanti or the area circumscribed to the Broletto with balconies, balustrades, large windows, porticoes with painted wooden elements that blend harmoniously with the terracotta used for building purposes.
The large park that you can visit surrounding the castle has an extension of 150,000 square meters and boasts a lush vegetation that blends perfectly with decorative and sculptural elements such as columns, statues, fountains specially placed in key points in a scenario completed by centuries-old tall trees, flowerbeds and well-kept paths.
A very attractive highlight consists of a beautiful belvedere with a view of the Rio Grazzano, other great attractions are a refined Italian garden, an undoubtedly beautiful space where the Church and the Ducal Studio also stand.
This complex, simply sublime for its aesthetic image, is simply perfect for specific events, often hosting events linked to historical re-enactments, folklore festivals with a medieval background and exhibitions. Inside the complex we will find bars, some restaurants and characteristic craft shops.
It’s time for your lunch and to stay in the traditional I suggest among the first courses of Tortelli alla Piacentina or Rice and Pumpkin while about the second courses a choose between Cooked Salami with Verzolini or Beef Stew with Potato Puree.
Visiting Grazzano Visconti is a fascinating experience, a pleasant day of tourism reliving the medieval splendor of this geographical area and certainly to be remembered with immense pleasure.
Link : http://www.grazzano.it/
Where to Stay | Recommended Accomodation
La Residenza Piacentina - http://www.laresidenzapiacentina.it/
Hotel Torre di San Martino - https://www.castellodirivalta.it/hotel
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