Castello di Rivalta
A privately owned medieval castle, Castello di Rivalta offers tours of its historic rooms and grounds, once favored by royalty.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Castello di Rivalta
Best Time
More tour options available
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A privately owned medieval castle, Castello di Rivalta offers tours of its historic rooms and grounds, once favored by royalty.
"An amazing castle with so much history, a very cool place to visit!"
Book English Tours Early
English tours are limited and book up fast. Reserve yours well in advance! :ticket:
No Photos Inside!
Photography is strictly prohibited inside the castle. Enjoy the moment! :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Zanardi Landi Family Residence
Throughout the castle
Explore rooms still inhabited by the historic Zanardi Landi family, offering a glimpse into aristocratic life.
Royal Guest History
Various rooms
Discover the castle's past as a favored retreat for European royalty, including Princess Margaret of England.
The Armoury Hall
Armoury Hall
Marvel at the impressive collection of armors and historical weaponry, showcasing centuries of martial history.
The Village of Rivalta
Surrounding the castle
Wander through the charming medieval village that surrounds the castle, offering a fairytale atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tours in Advance
Respect the Residence
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book English Tours Early
English tours are limited and book up fast. Reserve yours well in advance! :ticket:
No Photos Inside!
Photography is strictly prohibited inside the castle. Enjoy the moment! :camerawithflash:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on historic floors. :athletic_shoe:
Consider the Hotel
The on-site hotel offers convenience, especially if traveling by motorcycle. :bed:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book English Tours Early
English tours are limited and book up fast. Reserve yours well in advance! :ticket:
No Photos Inside!
Photography is strictly prohibited inside the castle. Enjoy the moment! :camerawithflash:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on historic floors. :athletic_shoe:
Consider the Hotel
The on-site hotel offers convenience, especially if traveling by motorcycle. :bed:
Ghost Stories
Ask about Giuseppe, the resident ghost! Adds a fun, spooky element.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Castello di Rivalta is a stunningly historic castle, praised for its well-preserved rooms and rich aristocratic heritage, offering a unique glimpse into centuries of family life. However, some visitors report negative experiences with tour guides, citing rudeness and language barriers, and the strict no-photography policy inside is a common point of disappointment. +1
"Getting caught up on reviews/pics from out trip to Italy in May/June 2024. What an amazing castle! The owner/family still lives there, but has opened the castle for tours. The history of the castle goes back some 1500 years. It’s on a large hill overlooking the Trebbia River, in the province of Piacenza, Italy. Many of the rooms in the castle are “as is”… as they have been for centuries. So much history there, from prisoners to royal guests from all over Europe. It really is a very cool place to visit, good for families as well!"
Jim Nabholz
"Would be a great trip but if you are not Italian, the tour guides are extremely inhospitable and rude. They do not try to hide their xenophobia. In certain rooms they refuse to speak anything but Italian, and they will not make eye contact with anyone who does not. We were dismissed quickly and the visit was not worth the money. I agree with other reviews, the staff make this a must-miss and unpleasant experience."
Sara Clarin
"This could be a fantastic experience if only the (still living) descendants weren't so selfish and exclusive. For instance: you can't take photos inside the castle; wonder why? me too! Also, the rooms and most of the castle isn't true to its origin: it's rebuilt, not restored. Not recommended."
Vittorio Robecchi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Castello di Rivalta is conveniently located about 1 to 1.5 hours by car from Milan, making it a great day trip destination.
While public transport options exist to Piacenza, a car is generally recommended for the easiest access to Castello di Rivalta and the surrounding Val Trebbia area.
Exploring the Borgo di Rivalta and its castle is best done with a car, allowing you to easily reach the site and discover the surrounding hills.
Castello di Rivalta is situated in Rivalta, a fraction of Gazzola, approximately 14 km from Piacenza.
Yes, guided tours are the primary way to see the castle's interior. It's highly recommended to book these in advance, especially if you require an English-speaking guide.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tour packages for Castello di Rivalta start around 14 euros per person for a basic tour, with prices increasing for longer or more specialized tours. An English guide typically costs around 35 euros for an hour and a half.
Yes, booking tickets in advance is strongly advised, particularly if you wish to join a tour with an English-speaking guide.
The castle is visible year-round, but specific tour times and availability can vary. It's best to check the official website or contact them directly for current opening hours and tour schedules.
No, access to the interior of Castello di Rivalta is typically only possible through guided tours.
Yes, Castello di Rivalta hosts events like RISTORY, a festival dedicated to storytelling, books, and authors.
📸 📸 Photography
Unfortunately, photography is generally not permitted inside the castle rooms.
The surrounding medieval village and the exterior of the castle offer beautiful photographic opportunities, especially with the rolling hills of Val Trebbia in the background.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and potentially seek permission before flying a drone over or near the castle.
While exterior photography is generally allowed, be mindful of private property and any specific signage posted around the castle grounds.
Given the interior photo restrictions, a versatile lens for exterior shots and capturing the village atmosphere would be ideal.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Castello di Rivalta has dining options within its complex, including restaurants and a lounge area, which is convenient for guests staying at the hotel.
Reviews suggest the on-site dining is convenient, though some guests found the breakfast offerings to be limited and plain for the price of their stay.
Typically, dining at the castle's establishments is accessible to visitors, but it's always a good idea to check their specific policies.
The surrounding area and nearby towns likely offer local trattorias and restaurants if you wish to explore regional cuisine outside the castle complex.
Castello di Rivalta is known to be a venue for private events, suggesting that catering and banquet services are available.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The 'as is' presentation of many rooms, with antique toys and games, offers a unique glimpse into past childhoods. Consider booking an English tour in advance if your family doesn't speak Italian, to ensure everyone can follow along and enjoy the stories.
💰 Budget Travelers
If staying overnight, the hotel is convenient but can be pricey. Some reviewers suggest that for a budget trip, it might be more cost-effective to visit for sightseeing and then find more affordable accommodation and dining options in the surrounding areas.
💖 Couples Seeking Romance
The atmosphere is steeped in history and grandeur, perfect for a special getaway. While photography is restricted inside, the experience of a guided tour, especially one with an English-speaking guide, can be intimate and engaging.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Millennia of History
The castle has been owned by the Zanardi Landi family since 1300, making them one of Piacenza's most ancient and distinguished noble families. This long lineage means the castle is not just a historical monument but a living residence, filled with centuries of stories and artifacts. Its strategic location in the Val Trebbia has made it a witness to significant historical events, including potentially being a Roman watchtower site.
The castle's architecture reflects its long history, with various additions and modifications over the centuries. Beyond its military and residential history, Castello di Rivalta has also hosted notable figures. It's been a favored spot for aristocratic holidays and even accommodated royalty, such as Princess Margaret of England and members of the Dutch royal family.
This royal connection adds another layer of prestige and intrigue to its already rich narrative. The Experience of a Guided Tour
However, the tour experience can be mixed. While some visitors find the guides informative and the castle itself amazing, others have reported issues with inhospitable and rude staff, with some guides refusing to speak anything but Italian in certain rooms.
Photography is a significant point of contention, with it being strictly prohibited inside the castle.
Rivalta: A Charming Village and Estate
The Borgo di Rivalta, the medieval village surrounding the castle, offers a fairytale-like atmosphere, with ancient walls and romantic vistas that seem suspended in time. This picturesque setting makes it feel like stepping into a different world, just a short drive from bustling cities like Milan. The estate itself is comprehensive, featuring not only the castle but also an hotel, a spa, shops, and dining establishments.
This makes it a destination where visitors can stay, dine, and explore without needing to venture far. The hotel is particularly noted as being convenient for travelers, especially those on motorcycles, offering on-site amenities like a restaurant and lounge. The village and its surroundings are nestled in the province of Piacenza, within the scenic Val Trebbia.
This location provides a beautiful backdrop of rolling hills, enhancing the overall experience of visiting this historic estate. 
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