Easter at Rivalta Castle

A fairytale Easter in the village of Rivalta

Every year, on the weekend of Easter and Easter Monday, Rivalta Castle transforms into a grand open-air theatre for families and children. We are in Rivalta, a hamlet in the Municipality of Gazzola, in the province of Piacenza, at the entrance of the Trebbia Valley and about fifteen kilometres from the Emilian capital. Here, around the Landi Counts' manor, lies one of the best-preserved medieval villages in Emilia-Romagna, with cobbled alleys, the ancient church, artisan shops, and inns.

Egg hunt and treasure hunt

The heart of the event is the egg hunt designed for children: numerous colourful eggs filled with sweets and treats, as well as classic chocolate eggs, are hidden in the estate's park. Each child receives a basket and, together with their parents, explores the park in search of loot to take home. Everything is wrapped in a narrative framework: children, parents, and enchanted knights follow a path of fairy tales and legends, tracing a mysterious character who wanders through the castle halls and a precious chest to be found.

Guided tours of the Landi manor

The other soul of the day is the guided tours of the castle, still inhabited today by the Landi family. The tour leads through the great hall, the dining room, the kitchens, the cellars, the dungeons, the bedrooms, the tower, and the Museum of Military Costume, which houses testimonies related to the Battle of Lepanto and the Italian Risorgimento. A centuries-old history, documented since 1025 and marked by the passage of Malaspina, Ripalta, and finally the Landi Counts, who in the 14th century made it a sumptuous residence.

A weekend for the whole family

Between visits and treasure hunts, the village offers traditional restaurants, the Caffè di Rivalta, and small artisan shops, ideal for a break in the heart of the Piacenza Trebbia Valley. The Rivalta event is now one of Emilia-Romagna's most beloved offerings for those seeking a different and fairytale way to experience the Easter holidays, combining history, nature, and fun for the little ones.