Castell'Arquata

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Weather in October in Milan was not very nice.  We were lucky enough to have sunshine on a Sunday. We drove to Chiaravalle, Vigolo Marchese and Castell'Arquato for a beautiful day.

We arrived at Castell'Arquato after 1pm, parked at the lower town and walked up a tree alley to reach the high rock which is strategically important in the medieval time.


Castell'Arquato is dated to 10th century. In 21st century the town still preserves the medieval look and set up, stone houses, cobbled alleys and .....


It took us about 15 minutes to reach the monumental square. The view was gorgeous: the collegiate (religious power), Rocca fortress (military power) and palace of the Podesta (political power).


We walked around the square and appreciated the beauty of the surroundings. Autumn colours were beautiful under the sunshine.




Tourists spots were closed during the lunch break.  My friends wanted to save money but I went for a small sandwich. Yup, I needed energy and to stop the stomach from crying.


At 2 pm we climbed the collegiate tower. We were welcome by knight models. The way going up is displayed with medieval torture scenes.



But over the top is a fantastic and unparalleled panorama which goes from the Po Valley to the Alps in the north and Apennine ridge in the south.





After bathing in the natural beauty, we then descended to the ground level and appreciated art in the church.  I don't know the name of the artists but some are really impressive: the Last Supper, Jesus washed the feet of Disciples and Saint Agatha's breasts being cut off.









The colourful paintings add beauty to the dark high church.  Spend some time to linger and let the paintings to please your eyes and sooth your nerves.  It is a leisure to work through the lanes in the town and breath in the medieval atmosphere.



Time was passing quick. We had to say goodbye.





Location: 29014 Castell'Arquato, Province of Piacenza, Italy

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