Founded in 1124, Rocca Sanvitale rises at the heart of the borgo of Fontanellato (PR). On a square layout with ramparts and four corner towers, it is still surrounded by a wide moat filled with water. A drawbridge provides access to the inner courtyard. It houses furniture and objects from the 1500s and a masterpiece of Italian Mannerism, the small room painted with the legend of Diana and Actaeon by Parmigianino in 1524.
Over the centuries and with numerous restoration interventions, the fortress was transformed from defence post into the residence of the Sanvitale Counts who lived here for about six centuries. In 1948, the last Count gave the Rocca with all its furnishings to the Municipality who subsequently used it to house a Museum.
Legend holds that the castle is haunted by the ghost of little Maria Costanza Sanvitale, granddaughter of Marie Louise, Duchess of Parma, who died at the age of 5 years, 7 months and 7 days.
Emilia-Romagna Film Commission
Viale Aldo Moro 38 — 40127 Bologna
Phone: +39 051 5278753
Email: filmcom@regione.emilia-romagna.it
