Medieval Castle With Pool, Spa And Olive Grove In Piacenza

At the point where the last hills of the Ligurian Apennines stretch out towards the Po Valley, stands an imposing medieval castle that combines the charm of eight centuries of history with the luxury and comforts of contemporary living. With over 4,000 sqm of interior space and 80,000 sqm of outdoor areas, this unique property is now offered for sale as a private home or prestigious venue for high-end hospitality. Masterfully restored, the complex includes sumptuous reception rooms, bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, fully equipped kitchens, a complete spa and historical cellars. Outside, there is an enchanting panoramic swimming pool and a multi-purpose sports field. The Italian-style garden opens onto a valley of rare beauty, while the surrounding land is home to a lush olive grove, an orchard and a private forest. 

This castle's location strikes a perfect balance between privacy and accessibility. Nestled in the quiet countryside of Piacenza, it enjoys open views of the valley and is strategically close to historic villages, Romanesque churches and internationally renowned food and wine trails. Here, vineyards and olive groves alternate with rolling hills, creating a landscape that seems suspended in time. Local roads lead quickly to cities such as Milan, Parma and Piacenza, while hiking trails, cycling routes and ideal locations for horse riding are just a short distance away. The area is famous for its typical products, from cured meats to DOC wines, which can be discovered in the surrounding wineries and traditional restaurants.

The origins of this imposing estate date back to the 13th century, when it was built as a strategic stronghold and incorporated into the defensive system that controlled the passages between the Luretta and Tidone valleys. The first documented mention dates back to 1412, when the Duke of Milan, Filippo Maria Visconti, granted it, along with other possessions, to Filippo and Bartolomeo Arcelli, who were appointed counts of Val Tidone. With the decline of the Arcelli family, the property passed back under ducal authority, only to be entrusted to various trusted commanders. Over the centuries, the castle changed hands several times until the second half of the 19th century, when it was sold to the Collegio Morigi in Piacenza and finally to the Marchesi family.

The current architecture retains the original quadrangular layout, with buildings arranged around a large internal courtyard and four circular corner towers. Once surrounded by a moat, the castle preserves the remains of the ancient fortified entrance on the north side, which in the past was equipped with a drawbridge, while today's main entrance is on the west side, accessible via a masonry bridge. The façades overlooking the courtyard reveal traces of the many construction phases, including stone columns supporting three elegant arches of the main portico. The exposed stone walls show traces of ancient plaster here and there, while inside, despite having lost most of its original finishes, the wooden floors and roofs have been preserved, many of which have been restored using historical elements and traditional tile roofing. These details, together with the solidity of the structure, bear witness to centuries of history, transformations and adaptations, while maintaining the authentic charm of a medieval castle that has stood the test of time.

Passing through the main door, we enter a large entrance hall decorated with a mural fresco and original armour, which immediately introduces you to the majesty of the residence. On the ground floor, there are spacious dining rooms with monumental fireplaces, reception halls and more intimate rooms such as sitting rooms in the towers, designed for private conversations or reading. The library, housed in one of the towers, is enriched by wooden shelves and a marble chessboard set into the floor. The private study offers two rooms, one of which is the main study with a fireplace and a bathroom finished with a marble sink carved from a single block. The open-plan kitchen, equipped with a central counter, wall-mounted hobs and an oven, is connected to other service areas for catering.

Going up to the first floor, the bedrooms are distinguished by their personality and details: some have secret passages to games rooms or the cinema room, others are master suites with double walk-in wardrobes, bathrooms with showers and spa areas. Balconies and windows frame views of the garden and valley. The cinema room is a space dedicated to entertainment, connected to a tower, and incorporates a hidden passageway to the children's rooms, complete with mezzanines and small antechambers.

On the second floor is the master suite, with a stone fireplace, a walk-in wardrobe, a private bathroom with a bathtub and a shower, and an adjacent bedroom with a bathroom. From here, a staircase leads to the attic, offering additional space and privileged access to a tower.

The basement is a real world to discover: wine cellars, a tavern with a fireplace, a billiard room, an armoury and an area for curing cured meats at a controlled temperature. Here you will also find the spa, equipped with a gym, Turkish bath, sauna and hot tub, with changing rooms and showers. Technical rooms and catering areas complete this level, which also houses the indoor garage for 9 cars.

Completing the residential part are 5 independent apartments: the caretaker's house with a living room, kitchen, bedrooms and terrace; two guest apartments, each with a living room, bedrooms with wardrobes and bathrooms; an apartment for maintenance staff; and a unit for catering services.

Outside, the delightful Italian garden, designed with geometric flower beds, perfectly shaped hedges and illuminated paths, leaves you speechless. In a slightly elevated position, we find the swimming pool, surrounded by a large sun terrace, with changing rooms, bathrooms, indoor and outdoor showers, an open-plan living room with a fully equipped kitchen, a built-in barbecue and wood-fired oven, perfect for lunches or dinners with friends on beautiful summer days.

Beyond the garden, the land opens onto an olive grove with about 450 trees, an orchard and a private wood. The irrigation system is fully automated and powered by a private pond connected to a well. A multi-purpose sports field offers a variety of opportunities, from five-a-side football to tennis, while the large flat areas allow for the construction of a helipad. The land also hosts a photovoltaic system that allows for 100% energy autonomy. 

The covered garage accommodates 9 vehicles and has an electric charging station; outside, a car park can accommodate up to 200 cars.

This medieval castle is much more than a property for sale: it is a private microcosm where history, luxury and nature coexist. It is the place to sip a glass of wine in your own cellar, admire the sunset from the towers, host dream events in wonderful gardens and then retreat to living spaces of absolute comfort. Every stone tells a story, every tower reveals a different view, every room is an invitation to experience unique moments. Its location, in the heart of an area rich in excellence, makes it perfect both as a private residence and as a luxury accommodation facility, ready to welcome guests from all over the world.