Riflessi d'Arte

A festival dedicated to the art of seeing

Riflessi d'Arte was born in Fontanellato, a small town in the province of Parma famous for its splendid Rocca Sanvitale, and debuts as a weekend entirely dedicated to the intersection of science, art, and wonder. The festival draws inspiration from a unique technological treasure in Italy: the Rocca's Optical Chamber, an 19th-century optical device that is still perfectly functional, capable of projecting a sharp, upside-down image of the square in front of it onto a screen using a system of mirrors and lenses.

Rocca Sanvitale as a backdrop

The historic rooms of the castle become the natural stage for the event. From the evocative Optical Chamber to the Sala delle Volte, and the renowned Sala del Parmigianino—frescoed by the great Mannerist painter with the myth of Diana and Actaeon—each space offers a different perspective on the themes of vision, illusion, and perception.

A program of workshops and shows

The festival offers a packed schedule of events for all ages:

• Rotating tours of the Optical Chamber with demonstrations of its operation;
• Workshops for children on building an optical chamber and drawing in the style of landscape painters;
• Insights into optics in art and photography;
• Special tours of the Sala del Parmigianino with UV lighting;
• Shadow puppet shows and family shows of optical illusions;
• An interactive conference on perception and visual tricks.

Art, nature, and conviviality

Complementing the cultural activities, the Arte e Natura (Art and Nature) market exhibition takes place outside the Rocca, while the Saturday evening opening features a Pop Art and optical illusion-themed apericena in the Sala delle Volte. It's an opportunity to experience one of the most beautiful villages in the Parma plain in an unusual and festive way.

Fontanellato and the Castles of the Duchy

Part of the circuit of the Castles of the Duchy of Parma, Piacenza, and Pontremoli, Rocca Sanvitale is one of Emilia-Romagna's most beloved destinations. Riflessi d'Arte adds to this heritage a cultural offering that combines scientific dissemination, play, and beauty, enhancing the identity of the Municipality of Fontanellato and its vocation for tourist hospitality.