Castello di Rivalta

About the museum

The castle of Rivalta stands on the river Trebbia, in the fortified village of Rivalta, a hamlet of Gazzola. The first certain records date from the 11th century: a deed of donation of 1025 and, in 1048, the confirmation by Emperor Henry III of the transfer of part of the castle to the Benedictine monastery of San Savino in Piacenza, to which the rest of the complex soon passed as well.

From the 14th century the Landi family, in its various branches, owned the castle and the village, which are enclosed by the same city walls. In 1412 Manfredo III Landi received the title of count of the fief of Rivalta; Manfredo IV, who recovered it by force in 1448, carried out important restoration and embellishment works. In 1507 Count Corrado Landi obtained a ducal licence to hold a market, and the village grew until it became the seat of a municipality, up to Italian unification. The current owners belong to the Zanardi Landi branch.

Today the castle has about fifty rooms, partly a private residence and partly open to guided visits. The route includes the salone d'onore (main hall), the dining room, the kitchen, the cellar, the prisons, the bedrooms, the tower and the museum area. The museum houses the armoury, the room of sacred art and explorations, and the room of military costume with over ninety original uniforms.

Highlights

• Guided tour of a castle still inhabited by the Zanardi Landi counts
• Armoury with Japanese armour and banners from the battle of Lepanto
• Military costume room with over ninety original uniforms
• Ebony Christ by Francesco Mochi in the sacred art room
• Fortified village of Rivalta on the Trebbia

Permanent exhibitions

• Sala delle armi – Weapons from the 15th to 18th centuries, including spingarde (early firearms), muskets, halberds, helmets and armour, with Japanese armour and banners from the battle of Lepanto.
• Sala dell'arte sacra e delle esplorazioni – Ebony Christ by Francesco Mochi, wooden statues and objects from the church of San Martino, with finds brought back by the explorer Ermanno Stradelli.
• Sala del costume militare – Over ninety original uniforms from the pre-unification states to 1945, partly displayed on mannequins on horseback with arms.

Operated by

Famiglia Zanardi Landi

Visitors per year

approx. 13,000

Admission & discounts

The site does not publish the basic prices of the three routes (Aes, Argentum, Aurum). Surcharges listed: weekday visits from October to March, €55 (for the Argentum from October to February, €35); full-price Argentum ticket plus €3 during an exhibition (from 14 February to 10 May); visits in a language other than Italian, with a surcharge of €40.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The castle has many stairs: pushchairs and wheelchairs must be left at the ticket office. Dogs on a lead are admitted (muzzle required for large breeds).

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

The castle offers educational visits and workshops for schools.

Getting there & parking

The castle is in the village of Rivalta, in the Trebbia valley, in the municipality of Gazzola (PC).

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant

In the village there are the Caffè di Rivalta, the Locanda del Falco and La Rocchetta; the complex also includes a hotel (Torre di San Martino) and a spa.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

The castle and village are rented out for weddings, corporate events and private events.

Plan your visit