Fontanellato
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By Dion Protani
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Latest update: 26 September 2023
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The town of Fontanellato is situated within the Province of Parma in Emilia Romagna and stands at an elevation of 45 metres above sea level. It has a population of around 7,000 inhabitants.
Unquestionably the main attraction of Fontanellato is the Rocca Sanvitale castle that stands in the town centre surrounded by a water-filled moat. The weekly market takes place here on Sundays. |
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Fontanellato is dominated by the imposing Rocca Sanvitale around which the rest of the town is laid-out. The fortress, replete with its ghibelline (dovetail) battlements was built for the noble Sanvitale family between the 13th and 16th centuries. They only vacated it in 1951 at which point it was sold to the local council.
One of the best living examples of a castle with a water-filled moat, it's possible to walk through and around La Rocca or to pay €4 to enter and explore some of its rooms. Within one room are the frescoes by Parmigianino called Diana and Acteon which he painted in the 16th century. Of equal interest is another room which acts as a "camera obscura", allowing a scene from the outside to be reflected inside.
Around the castle and the moat are a series of arcades which conceal a series of shops and restaurants. The brightly coloured buildings contrast beautifully with the colours of the moat and the imposing fortress. It's a popular spot at weekends and particularly on Sundays when the market takes place.
Away from the centre of Fontanellato and on the main road that skirts the pedestrianised area lies the second main sight in the town: the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virign of the Holy Rosary. The minor basilica was completed in the 17th century and is a beautiful Baroque edifice both inside and out.
Four kilometres to the south of Fontanellato lies one of Europe's largest mazes. The Labirinto della Masone is an unusual complex consisting of geometric shapes and of course a maze that can leave you scratching your head for a good while. It's best reached by car and costs €18 to enter.
One of the best living examples of a castle with a water-filled moat, it's possible to walk through and around La Rocca or to pay €4 to enter and explore some of its rooms. Within one room are the frescoes by Parmigianino called Diana and Acteon which he painted in the 16th century. Of equal interest is another room which acts as a "camera obscura", allowing a scene from the outside to be reflected inside.
Around the castle and the moat are a series of arcades which conceal a series of shops and restaurants. The brightly coloured buildings contrast beautifully with the colours of the moat and the imposing fortress. It's a popular spot at weekends and particularly on Sundays when the market takes place.
Away from the centre of Fontanellato and on the main road that skirts the pedestrianised area lies the second main sight in the town: the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virign of the Holy Rosary. The minor basilica was completed in the 17th century and is a beautiful Baroque edifice both inside and out.
Four kilometres to the south of Fontanellato lies one of Europe's largest mazes. The Labirinto della Masone is an unusual complex consisting of geometric shapes and of course a maze that can leave you scratching your head for a good while. It's best reached by car and costs €18 to enter.
Comune di Fontanellato
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Province: Parma
Region: Emilia Romagna Population: 7,005 (source: ISTAT 1 January 2023) Total size: 53 km² Elevation: 45 metres Highlights: Rocca Sanvitale, Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin Market day: Sunday morning Close by: Fidenza, Busseto, Salsomaggiore Terme, Parma Recommended hotel: Alle Roncole (13 km) |
Awarded the Bandiera Arancione (Orange Flag)
Since: 2005
1 of 12 in Emilia Romagna listed by Touring Club Italiano
Since: 2005
1 of 12 in Emilia Romagna listed by Touring Club Italiano
