Rocca Di Vignola

Rocca Di Vignola

Rocca Di Vignola
4.5
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
3:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
3:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
3:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
3:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
3:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
3:30 PM - 6:00 PM
About
On a sandstone spur, this fortress stands over the Panaro valley. Documented back to 1178, it is one of the most interesting examples of fortification architecture in Emilia. In the fourteenth century it belonged to the Este family of Ferrara, but in 1401 they donated it to the Uguccione Contrari family who turned it into a refined mansion. In 1577, the Fortress was handed over to the Boncompagni family. Purchased by the Cassa di Risparmio di Vignola bank in 1965, it was handed over to the Vignola Foundation in 1998. The massive quadrilateral structure spread over five floors, with three corner towers – Nonantola, Donne and Pennello – is encircled by projections for plunging defence, typical of the XV century. In the courtyard, the small fortress stands to the left and open the Contrari and Grassoni halls. Winter opening times. Week days: 9:00/12:00 – 14:30/18:00. 0/12:00 – 15:30/19:00Holidays: 10:30/13:00 – 15:30/19:00. Closed on Mondays. Free admission
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles627 reviews
Excellent
404
Very good
204
Average
13
Poor
3
Terrible
3

These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.

Paolo B
Monza, Italy326 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Family
The Rocca is beautiful, it is worth traveling a few kilometers to visit it. The incredible thing, in 2023, is that the guided tour inside it is, during the week, free by the caretaker in charge that day. There is a day when there is a much more in-depth and paid visit, but I really can't imagine how it could be better than the one offered by the custodians, who dedicate almost an hour to each visit going into detail and narrating everything with passion.
There are many rooms, many stories to tell, and once you get to the top the view is breathtaking. Don't miss it - even if you have to pay for a ticket one day, it will still be worth it.
Google
Written August 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Paola B
Fabriano, Italy5,148 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Friends
It is the main tourist attraction point of a town which is nevertheless pleasant as a whole and worthy of a trip. The visit must be booked but is free; they specified at the ticket office that she is accompanied, not guided, but I must say that I didn't understand the difference because our guide was generous with all kinds of news and very pleasant to listen to. The only negative note is that when I went there it was not possible to access the walkways due to the presence of pigeons that had dirtied everything making them impassable at the moment. Too bad, it was a great day and I assume the view would have been splendid. The fortress is very beautiful both externally and internally as the walls of some rooms are decorated with paintings; those of the chapel are preserved in excellent condition.
Google
Written November 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

tovel 1
Artegna, Italy1,726 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Solo
The fortress of Vignola is rightly one of the most famous castles in the region for its might and beauty. The very high towers impress the visitor and do not disappoint him. On nice days its mass stands out against the blue creating a beautiful contrast.
Google
Written December 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Bill A
Spring Lake, NJ585 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Couples
I have now visited three fortresses named “La Rocca” in Emilia–Romagna and the one in Vignola is by far the best. The most fun part is climbing the maze of stairs up to the three towers. There is no one path through the many rooms in the fortress; so, you’re kind of on your own to figure out how to navigate your way through the fortress. But, what I really appreciated was the signage in each room (in both Italian and English) which provides a clear and concise description of the purpose of each room and of the artwork on the walls / ceilings. This is absolutely the number one attraction in Vignola and a good reason to include the city of Vignola in your itinerary.
Written February 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Claudio C
Merone, Italy139 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2024 • Couples
The fortress of Vignola is perfectly maintained. It can be visited with a guide because the tour is complex. We were lucky enough to have only two of us for the visit with a guide truly capable of making us appreciate the visit. Thank you-
I really recommend the visit.
Google
Written May 9, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

James G
Vasto, Italy10 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2012 • Friends
This is one of the most remarkable castles I have had the pleasure of visiting. It's a relatively small castle and it hasn't been ruined by touristic structures in the area. The castle is very empty, with very little to see inside. This being said, however, it was a true honour to explore this castle. We were completely alone in it when we went around and we really felt like we were the first people discovering the castle.

The walk-ways around the higher part of the castle are so unique and special. If you have a car and the time to travel here, it is definitely worth half a days visit. I am so glad I spent the time to visit this beautiful historic structure.
Written February 19, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

WilliamJo
Bologna, Italy122 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2011 • Couples
On our visit to the charming village of Vignola the main rooms of the castle or “rocca” were not open to the public but we were fortunate to be accompanied by a very knowledgeable guide from a local association who took us on a guided tour of the famous spiral staircase designed by Jacopo Barozzi (1507-1573). This architect, known as "il Vignola", was later to design a number of important churches in Rome, and Palazzo Farnese at Caprarola, 60 km north of Rome. The remarkable thing about this staircase is that it is self-supporting, as it is built with no supporting pillars but all the weight is carried by the outer walls. In 1562 Barozzi published a treatise on architecture, "Regola delli cinque ordini d'architettura", that continued to be used until the eighteenth century. In his home town of Vignola they are so proud of their famous son that years ago the local “pasticceria” created a chocolate and coffee cake in his honour, the Torta Barozzi. The recipe is a well kept secret and the cake can only be bought in very few places in Italy, so after your visit to the castle you might want to buy one in a box to take home.
Description of the castle or “rocca” of Vignola (24 km south-east of Modena)
http://www.fondazionedivignola.it/rocca/doc/Depliant_ROCCA_GB.pdf
More details of the buildings designed by Jacopo Barozzi
http://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacopo_Barozzi_da_Vignola
Written April 19, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

SEG97113
Portland, OR30 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2018 • Friends
This Sunday, before lunch, we were going through Vignola and decided to stop and visit Rocca di Vignola. What a treat! We only had 40 minutes (they closed @ 1:00 pm) so we couldn't see everything. The best part, after ticket purchase, we were met by a guide (a volunteer). Very well informed, he gave us an overview (I am an American, my friends are Italian and live in the Region). Before he started, my friends asked him to speak a bit slowly as I understood Italian quite well but not if he spoke really fast. He was great - lots of background information. As he was finishing, he led us to the 'crown jewel' .... the Spiral staircase. The Rocco is a replete with beautiful frescoes and rooms with different and unique themes but the Spiral Staircase stands out! Well worth the visit but do plan to stay longer. Unfortunately, visitors are only allowed on the first floor. Disappointed because I'm certain there are many more treasures to see.
Written August 5, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

James F
11 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2018 • Solo
Simply one of the most stunning castles I have ever seen. A must-visit destination to anybody visiting Modena/Bologna area (just a 60 minute train/bus ride from both). They also organise free tours (in English) and the castle itself is free entry. A real Italian treasure!
Written July 18, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

LuziAnne68
Baton Rouge, LA93 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2017 • Couples
We visited Rocca di Vignola in December and it was absolutely beautiful. According to my BF who is from Italy, it is better preserved than most castles. They still have beautiful original frescoes and have put together a very nice audio tour to guide you through the artwork and architecture. There are also spectacular views of the surrounding area, especially at sunset.

I would recommend visiting during the warmer times of the year though. Much of the castle isn't heated (or cooled), especially the towers with the great views, and my toes were numb by the time I was finished. Additionally, I wouldn't recommend this for anyone with small children or physically frail or disabled people as some of the stairs are so steep we went down backwards. Plus, the flooring is very uneven at times.
Written January 9, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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