Castel Market at the Village of Rivalta

A Craftsmanship Market in the Heart of a Medieval Village

Castel Market is the event that, several times a year, reopens the doors of the Village of Rivalta, a small medieval gem at the foot of Rivalta Castle, in the Municipality of Gazzola, in the province of Piacenza (Emilia-Romagna). For a few days, the narrow cobbled streets of the village, overlooking the Trebbia Valley, transform into a lively crossroads of craftsmanship and conviviality.

The event is an invitation to slow down and be surprised by the quality of handmade items. A selection of artisans from all over Italy exhibits unique creations and original artefacts, from costume jewellery to ceramics, from textiles to wood: it is the perfect opportunity to discover national high craftsmanship in a scenic setting.

Not Just Stalls: Food, Music, and Workshops

Castel Market is not just a market. The various food areas offer street food and cuisine, accompanied by excellent craft beer and drinks prepared by the organisation's bartenders, while a pleasant musical background, with live music and DJ sets, accompanies the stroll among the exhibitors.

• Selected artisanal exhibitors from all over Italy
• Food areas with street food, craft beer, and signature cocktails
• Live music and DJ sets
• Workshops for children and adults curated by the Piacenza association Qui Arte
• Guided tours of Rivalta Castle by reservation

The Village and Castle of Rivalta

Rivalta preserves the original architecture of private homes, taverns, shops, and medieval religious structures. The name derives from Ripa Alta, the high bank of the river, where at the entrance to the Trebbia Valley a watchtower arose of strategic importance for trade between the Po Valley and the port of Genoa. In the 14th century, the nobleman Obizzo Landi rebuilt the fortified castle; to this day, the Counts Zanardi Landi, descendants of the feudal family, inhabit the residence, surrounded by a magnificent 18th-century park. The tower, a square tower 36 metres high made of bricks and pebbles, is the oldest part of the village. Visiting Castel Market therefore means combining artisanal shopping with the discovery of one of the most fascinating castles in the circuit of the Castles of the Duchy.