Historical Re-enactment: At the Court of the Pallavicino

A medieval re-enactment in the heart of the Parma Apennines

Every year, at the end of September, the Pallavicino Castle of Varano de' Melegari, in the province of Parma, transforms into an open-air stage: the historical re-enactment At the Court of the Pallavicino takes visitors back almost six centuries, within the walls of one of Emilia-Romagna's most evocative fortresses. For two days, the fortress is no longer a monument to be observed from a distance, but a living world that can be explored room by room.

The year 1432 and the return of the Pallavicino family

The event is set in a precise moment in the castle's history: 1432, when the fortress was about to be returned to the Pallavicino family, in the person of Rolando il Magnifico, after decades under Visconti control. The family's return is celebrated with great pomp, amidst genuine congratulations and inevitable courtly intrigues: this is the narrative backdrop that ties together the re-enactment scenes and gives coherence to the day.

Who brings the castle to life

A large group of historical re-enactors in period costume, managed by the Cultural Association Oltre lo Specchio, brings the fortress back to life. In the rooms and halls, you will meet:

• Knights and guards, also engaged in weapon demonstrations and tournaments;
• Noble ladies and court ladies, with their sumptuous attire;
• Scribes, merchants, and traders, reconstructing the daily life of the village;
• Weavers and artisans, engaged in the crafts of the era;
• Archers, with shooting contests and demonstrations.

Historical interpreters in period costume accompany visitors with insights and stories, while scenic settings and fun activities designed for children make the experience suitable for the whole family.

A castle to discover

The Pallavicino Castle overlooks the town of Varano de' Melegari, facing the Ceno valley: the re-enactment is also an ideal opportunity to visit the interior of the fortress, often with dedicated guided tours. The event, which regularly takes place even in bad weather, enjoys the patronage of the Emilia-Romagna Region and the Municipalities of Parma and Varano de' Melegari, and is part of the circuit of the Castles of the Duchy of Parma and Piacenza.

Why come

More than just a show, At the Court of the Pallavicino is an immersive journey into the medieval Emilia: an opportunity for history enthusiasts, families, and those who want to discover a corner of the Parma Apennines away from mass tourist routes.