Italian castles and legends: The Duchy of Parma and Piacenza

Parma and Piacenza once part of a glorious Duchy can boast a great number of haunted castles.
One of the most famous fortresses in the region is Bardi castle which among other things was the stage of a romantic love story between the beautiful lady Soleste and Morello, one of her young and more valiant knights, whose ghost apparently still visits the place.

The benign fairy Berna has instead elected Montechiarugolo Castle as her adobe and people say she’s wont to appear to young brides on the night before their wedding day giving them all the advice they need.

Far more disquieting the presence of the poor lady Cenerina who was brutally murdered in 1573 at Soragna castle owned by the Meli Lupi family.
The ghost of Cenerina still haunts the place and her presence is felt by the family of the Prince whenever something awful is about to happen.
Another haunted place is Grapparolo Castle where the beautiful Rosania was immured alive by her jealous husband.
Her laments and wails can still be heard on stormy nights.

The ghost of the Count Pier Maria Scotti can instead be seen and heard at Agazzano Castle.

The unlucky nobleman was stabbed to death by a group of traitors who wanted to get hold of his fortress.
Besides old castles, haunted places and old legends the region has plenty to offer, including good food and a series of museums dedicated to the typical products of the area, such as Parmesan cheese and salami.
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