Castellarano: Churches, Rocca and Views over the Secchia Valley

The Pieve and its long history

The Pieve di Sant'Eleucadio e San Valentino has been documented since 960 as “Plebem de Santo Elochado”. In 1626, San Valentino was added as a further patronal name. The church has three naves, three apses and five altars. Its ancient columns bear Romanesque-Matildic capitals. The Pieve is also one of the oldest parish churches in the area. This gives you particularly dense access to its religious and architectural history, without having to reduce the individual periods to a single style.

Rocca, towers and aristocratic architecture

La Rocchetta is arranged around three main towers in an irregular ground plan: Torre Levatoia, Torre Cappellana and Torre della Rosa. The first written references to the Castello (Rocca) con Torre date from 1481; its origins cannot be dated with certainty. In 1741, the last feudal lord of the Este San Martino line, Marchese Carlo Filiberto II, initiated the transformation of the Rocca into an aristocratic palace. Gardens, fountains, a theatre and a chapel were planned for the family's summer recreation. The palatium of the Castello (Rocca) con Torre was conceived as a fortified building and aristocratic residence. La Rocchetta also serves as a venue for exhibitions and presentations.

Religious traces at the Santuario

At the site of the Santuario Beata Vergine di Campiano, a small chapel outside the town walls was mentioned in 1543. Work on relocating the entrance to the Santuario was completed in 1790. Both dates provide a clear chronological framework for the religious history and complement the Pieve's older tradition with another site of religious architecture.

Parco dei Popoli and practical orientation

The Parco dei Popoli has play areas for children. All entrances to the Parco dei Popoli are also accessible to people with disabilities. If you are travelling with different needs, this place can therefore be deliberately included in your daily planning. The combination of play areas and accessible entrances makes the park a practical reference point for flexibly organising your stay.

Big Bench with views over the Secchia Valley

The Castellarano Big Bench is easy to reach on foot; parking is available at Agriturismo San Valentino. The Big Bench offers spectacular views of the Secchia Valley and the surrounding ridges. These include Monte Cusna and Monte di Valestra. For your planning, this visit combines an accessible viewpoint with a wide-open landscape experience. Especially if, alongside churches and fortress architecture, you also want to get to know Castellarano's topographical side, the Big Bench provides a distinct accent.

More destinations

More destinations: Ca' De' Grimaldi, Castelnovo Di Sotto, Bagno, Il Cantone di Pieve Modolena, Barco, Gattatico, Ramiseto, Vezzano Sul Crostolo

To the main travel overview: Reggio Emilia.