Castello di Formigine
A historic fortress in Emilia-Romagna, offering guided tours through its ancient halls and a beautiful surrounding park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal tours
Castello di Formigine
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal tours
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic fortress in Emilia-Romagna, offering guided tours through its ancient halls and a beautiful surrounding park.
"Awesome staff! Cool place in a quaint little town with incredible guides."
English Tours Available
Don't hesitate to ask for an English-speaking guide; they are often available and very accommodating!
Arrive Early for Tours
Tours run frequently, but arriving a bit early ensures you get a spot, especially for English tours.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Castle Tower
Main structure
Admire the historic tower, featuring unique clocks with Roman numerals and intricate mechanical workings.
Archaeological Park
Castle grounds
Discover ancient burial sites and remnants of an old church, offering a glimpse into Formigine's deep history.
Former Mayor's Office
Interior
Step into the former mayor's office, which was once a 17th-century bedroom, showcasing historical living quarters.
Festive Decorations
Exterior
During the holiday season, the castle is beautifully adorned with Christmas lights, creating a magical atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Guided Tour
Explore the Surrounding Park
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
English Tours Available
Don't hesitate to ask for an English-speaking guide; they are often available and very accommodating! +1
Arrive Early for Tours
Tours run frequently, but arriving a bit early ensures you get a spot, especially for English tours.
Explore the Gardens
The castle grounds feature a lovely garden, perfect for a relaxing walk or picnic.
Check for Events
The castle sometimes hosts special events, like supercar rallies. Check local listings!
Tips
from all over the internet
English Tours Available
Don't hesitate to ask for an English-speaking guide; they are often available and very accommodating! +1
Arrive Early for Tours
Tours run frequently, but arriving a bit early ensures you get a spot, especially for English tours.
Explore the Gardens
The castle grounds feature a lovely garden, perfect for a relaxing walk or picnic.
Check for Events
The castle sometimes hosts special events, like supercar rallies. Check local listings!
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing some walking around the castle and its grounds, so comfortable footwear is key.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Castello di Formigine for its knowledgeable and friendly staff, who often go the extra mile to accommodate guests, including providing English tours. The castle itself is described as beautiful and historically interesting, with the guided tours being a highlight that enhances the overall experience. The charming town and its surroundings also contribute positively to the visit.
"Awesome awesome awesome staff! Cool place in a quaint little town. Castle is entry with free guided tour only (I think they do every 30 minutes). Unexpectedly at the last tour of the day, they did an English tour for me and my wife seperate from the main Italian group. The guide, who's name i regrettably forget, was incredible. She took us on an off script tour to avoid overcrowding with the rest of the other group, was incredibly knowledgeable and you could tell she enjoyed her job. My wife and I both loved the tour, the castle, accommodation and the exceptional knowledge she had. She was able to answer every ignorant question with ease, her English was phenomenal and we are glad we were able to help her out with the torch. This place has some interesting history, even well before the WWII bombing, but also afterwards. There is now a restaurant on premises, but NO experience with what the restaurant has to offer and they are not included in the ratings in this review. The castle crew is great!"
Richard
"Super friendly staff! We did a guide tour, and they spoke english for us. They were so nice. The castle was beautiful. It is worth the visit!!"
Kevin Moolenaar
"Great tour with an English speaking guide if requested. Sara did a wonderful job. Great way to learn more and understand life in and around the castle."
Scott Hockin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Castello di Formigine is located in the town of Formigine, near Modena in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. It's accessible by car, with parking available nearby. Public transport options might involve regional buses from Modena.
Yes, there are typically parking facilities available in the vicinity of the castle, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Absolutely! Formigine is a charming town and a visit to its castle can easily be combined with exploring Modena, making it a perfect day trip.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Castello di Formigine is typically through a guided tour only. It's advisable to check their official website or inquire locally about tour schedules and any associated fees.
Tour times can vary, but they are often offered every 30 minutes. It's best to confirm the current operating hours and tour availability before your visit.
Yes, English-speaking tours are often available upon request. Visitors have reported positive experiences with guides accommodating English speakers. +1
Generally, access to the interior of Castello di Formigine is restricted to guided tours. This allows for a more informative and controlled visitor experience.
While tours run frequently, booking in advance, especially for specific language requirements or during peak times, is a good idea to secure your spot.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you can explore historical rooms like the former mayor's office, learn about the castle's past, and admire architectural details, including the tower's unique clocks. +1
Information on accessibility can vary. It's recommended to contact the castle directly to inquire about specific accessibility features for those with mobility challenges.
Guided tours typically last around an hour, providing a comprehensive overview of the castle's history and features.
Photography policies can differ. Generally, personal photography is allowed, but check for any restrictions on flash or professional filming.
Many visitors highlight the knowledgeable and friendly guides, the castle's rich history, and the charming atmosphere of the town. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a restaurant located on the premises of Castello di Formigine, offering dining options for visitors.
The restaurant, Ristorante Calcagnino, is known for its local cuisine. It's a good place to experience regional Emilia-Romagna flavors.
The town of Formigine offers various local trattorias and cafes where you can enjoy authentic Italian food.
While dining at the restaurant is an option, the castle's park and gardens might be suitable for a picnic, weather permitting.
📸 📸 Photography
The castle exterior, especially with the tower, the gardens, and the town's flag flying high, offer great photo opportunities. +1
Personal photography is generally permitted inside the castle, but it's always wise to confirm with your guide about any specific restrictions.
Yes, events like supercar rallies or Christmas light displays offer unique and vibrant scenes for photographers. +1
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset can offer beautiful lighting for exterior shots, while midday is good for capturing details inside.
Drone usage is typically regulated and may require special permits. It's best to check local drone laws and castle regulations before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Day-Trippers from Modena
❤️ Couples and History Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Castello di Formigine
During the 17th century, the Calcagnini family played a role in arranging parts of the castle, including what was once a bedroom that later served as the mayor's office.
Experiencing the Guided Tours
While tours are primarily in Italian, the castle staff is known for accommodating English-speaking visitors, sometimes arranging separate tours or ensuring guides can communicate effectively in English.
The Castle Park and Surroundings
The park is particularly inviting during pleasant weather, making it an ideal spot for picnics or simply enjoying a tranquil afternoon.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit