The Fortress of Vignola is a charming castle situated in the oldest part of the town of Vignola, in the province of Modena. Nestled in the Panaro Valley where the hills begin, it is a fascinating example of fortified architecture.

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  Vignola, Rocca Ph. Claudia Golinelli

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  Vignola, Rocca Ph. Claudia Golinelli

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  Vignola, Rocca 01 Ph. Claudia Golinelli

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  Vignola, Rocca Ph. Claudia Golinelli

This impressive building was probably constructed at the beginning of the year 1000 as a military fortification, and around 1400 it became the property of the Este family of Ferrara. Niccolò III d’Este donated it in 1401 to Uguccione dei Contrari, who transformed it into a noble residence.

The building is an imposing quadrangle with five floors and three towers rising up at the sides: the Nonantolana Tower, which houses Uguccione’s study and the prisons, the Torre delle Donne (Women’s Tower) and the Torre del Pennello (Brush Tower), which during the Risorgimento housed prisons for political prisoners, whose graffiti can still be seen today.

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  Vignola, interno della Rocca Ph. Claudia Golinelli

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  Vignola, Rocca Ph. Claudia Golinelli

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  Vignola, Rocca Ph. Claudia Golinelli

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  Vignola, Rocca Ph. Claudia Golinelli

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  Vignola, Rocca Ph. Claudia Golinelli

Walking through the evocative frescoed rooms, we can experience the enchantment of reliving a past that dates back six centuries.

Climbing the steep staircases of the towers, visiting the dark prisons and walking along the walkways, we rediscover the elegant and fascinating atmosphere of the Este family.

The Sala dei Contrari and Sala dei Grassoni are located in the basement, while the Sala dei Leoni, Sala dei Leopardi, Sala delle Colombe and Sala degli Anelli are on the first floor. The walls of these halls enchant us with their heraldic bestiary, which tells the story of prestigious families and their noble deeds.

Continuing on the first floor, we find the noble rooms, which also include Uguccione’s study, the chapel frescoed with late Gothic paintings dedicated to Christ and Mary, and the small tower where military and food supplies were stored. On the second floor are the service rooms, and climbing further up, we reach the walkways that connect the three towers.

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  Vignola, Rocca Ph. Claudia Golinelli

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  Vignola, Rocca Ph. Claudia Golinelli

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  Vignola, Rocca Ph. Claudia Golinelli

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  Vignola, panorama Ph. Claudia Golinelli

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  Vignola, panorama Ph. Claudia Golinelli

You can visit this ancient fortress by purchasing tickets on site or booking your admission by telephone/email. A guided tour service is also available for a fee (by reservation only).

After your visit, it is worth stopping in the village to taste a slice of the delicious and mysterious Torta Barozzi, whose recipe is still a closely guarded secret!