At the Court of Pier Maria Rossi II

A Dive into the 15th Century at the Rocca dei Rossi

For an entire weekend, the Roccabianca Castle, in the Municipality of Roccabianca in the Province of Parma (Emilia-Romagna), goes back over five centuries. The event At the Court of Pier Maria Rossi transforms the famous manor in the Bassa Parmense into a 15th-century village, with encampments, artisan workshops, and costumed soldiers. It is a rare opportunity to experience from the inside one of the most fascinating residences in the circuit of the Castles of the Duchy of Parma, Piacenza, and Pontremoli.

The Courtyard Becomes a Medieval Encampment

The heart of the event is the large inner courtyard of the Rocca, one of the largest in the province, which for the occasion transforms into a military and civilian encampment from the time of Pier Maria Rossi II. Amidst historical tents, the arts and crafts of yesteryear come to life: discover the daily life of the 15th century accompanied by re-enactors in period dress, ready to tell the story of the ancient manor.

What You Can Do

• Themed guided tours with guides and re-enactors in medieval costume
• Historical fencing demonstrations and military life
• Falconry shows with birds of prey and their trainers
• Archery, with the chance to try out the archers' range
• Workshops dedicated to ancient crafts and 15th-century artisanry

The Castle of Love Between Pier Maria and Bianca

The Rocca dei Rossi was built around the mid-15th century by Pier Maria Rossi, Count of San Secondo, for his beloved Bianca Pellegrini: according to tradition, the very name Roccabianca pays homage to her. The castle is famous for its romantic atmosphere and its cycles of Renaissance frescoes, including those in the Sala di Griselda, inspired by a novella from Boccaccio's Decameron. This link between history, art, and legend makes the re-enactment a particularly evocative journey through time, in the heart of the Parma plain.