Best castles around Nibbiano are located within the Alta Val Tidone municipality, a region characterized by its historical fortified structures. Many of these structures have undergone significant alterations over centuries, evolving from defensive strongholds to residential palaces. The area offers insights into medieval history and architectural evolution, strategically connecting the Val Tidone, Val Trebbia, and Val Versa. Visitors can observe these historical sites, some of which are privately owned or have been integrated into other structures.
Last updated: October 30, 2026
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The Castle was first mentioned in a document from 1001. On this occasion, Bishop Sigifredo granted the Benedictine monks of San Savino (Piacenza) some land, including the area of the Castle. The building has a trapezoidal plan and has four circular towers. The first of the four towers dates back to around the year 1000, which only later became four. The Castle was often the scene of clashes and battles. In 1212, the Guelphs of Piacenza took refuge there, threatened by the Ghibellines of Visconti, but they were worsted because they were defeated later in two battles. In the fourteenth century, the Castle was inhabited by Gabriello Boccapiccina, then it passed to the Chiapponi family. When the Chiapponi family died out, in the eighteenth century they were replaced by the Scotti di San Giorgio, who profoundly adapted the building, transforming it into a stately home. At the beginning of the twentieth century, the Castle belonged for a short period to the Lombardi of Genoa; it was then sold to Eng. Giuseppe Manfredi, who had it restored by Prof. Camillo Guidotti. From 1930 to 1987, the building was owned by the Ursuline Mothers of Piacenza. Today, the Castle is used by the current owner as a venue for private events.
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Montalto Pavese stands in a dominant position on the first hills above Casteggio, the beautiful castle (one of the best preserved in the region) with its Italian garden and its wine production.
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Village above Casteggio with two excellent restaurants and panoramic square
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Vicobarone, of Roman origins, takes its name from a 'Vicus Varroni' of the imperial era and has been known as "Vici Baruni" since the year 833. Possession of the monastery of Bobbio and considered one of the first organized communities in the area, it expanded thanks to the numerous and important monastic cells of the Bobbio monastery, present in the area. The transformation of the castle dates back to the end of the seventeenth century, carried out by the Marquises Malvicini Fontana who made it an elegant residence with large and well-kept cellars. A final renovation was recently carried out by the current owners who adapted the building to accommodate tourists without altering its architectural characteristics and recovering the thousandth tower in which the "blade well" from the feudal era was located.
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The mighty castle of Momeliano, made up of three rectangular bodies arranged on a U-shaped plan, is the result of two construction phases. The oldest nucleus dates back to the fourteenth century, the most recent one can be dated between the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. Over the centuries it underwent several changes of ownership, up to the Stevani family who, at the end of the nineteenth century, put much of the surrounding land under viticulture. The general state of conservation of the castle is good. Worth noting are: traces of the joints of the drawbridge in the building facing south-east; the battlements, now closed in an arch and accessible via a narrow corridor; the remains of the pointed arched windows walled up on the south-east front; the loggia towards the courtyard; two pairs of arches.
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The Castle of Rezzanello appears mentioned for the first time in a document from 1001. On this occasion Bishop Sigifredo granted some land to the Benedictine monks of San Savino, including the Castle area. The castle has a trapezoidal plan with four towers that stand out from the corners and a large internal courtyard. The turrets have a round base, are elegantly slender and crowned by a projection supported by arches and covered by a conical roof. The same type of arches in double order creates a decorative motif in the attic. To adapt it to housing needs, numerous large windows were opened, regularly distributed on all the facades. Located in the center of a valley, it is surrounded by a splendid seven-hectare park with centuries-old plants, a fountain and streams. At the beginning of the twentieth century, the castle was transformed into a stately home. The new owner, Eng. Giuseppe Manfredi entrusted the intervention to the architect Camillo Guidotti who conducted it according to the late-romantic criteria then in vogue, altering the original design.
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The Borgonuovo oppidum was founded in 1196 by the Municipality of Piacenza to defend the western border of its territories, equipped with a fortress, towers and city walls with an escarpment and fortified entrances. In the current complex, built entirely of bricks, the fortress and the receptacle can clearly be distinguished. These buildings together with the church and the pilgrims' hospital once formed the village of Calendasco. The body of the fortress has typical elements of fourteenth-century Po Valley castles, such as the sawtooth motif combined with the crowning of small windows with segmental arches. The deep moat, the entrance, once equipped with a drawbridge as can be seen from the recesses of the ravelin, and the pusterla, or small door, with drawbridge access are still visible. To the south is a semicircular tower much higher than the rest of the building; the north-east wing, equipped with a scarp and with a rustic appearance and lack of homogeneity, dates back to a later period. The entrance hall, covered by a cross vault decorated with sixteenth-century frescoes, leads into the courtyard where a portico with three arches is visible. The receptacle, a rustic body with small arched windows and a decorative sawtooth motif, is outside the moat, near the bridge-beater.
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Fortress of Borgonovo Valtidone The Borgonuovo oppidum was founded in 1196 by the Municipality of Piacenza to defend the western border of its territories, equipped with a fortress, towers and city walls with an escarpment and fortified entrances. In the current complex, built entirely of bricks, the fortress and the receptacle can clearly be distinguished. These buildings together with the church and the pilgrims' hospital once formed the village of Calendasco. The body of the fortress has typical elements of fourteenth-century Po Valley castles, such as the sawtooth motif combined with the crowning of small windows with segmental arches. The deep moat, the entrance, once equipped with a drawbridge as can be seen from the recesses of the ravelin, and the pusterla, or small door, with drawbridge access are still visible. To the south is a semicircular tower much higher than the rest of the building; the north-east wing, equipped with a scarp and with a rustic appearance and lack of homogeneity, dates back to a later period. The entrance hall, covered by a cross vault decorated with sixteenth-century frescoes, leads into the courtyard where a portico with three arches is visible. The receptacle, a rustic body with small arched windows and a decorative sawtooth motif, is outside the moat, near the bridge-beater.
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Beyond the immediate vicinity of Nibbiano, you can explore several significant castles. Montalto Pavese features a well-preserved castle with an Italian garden and wine production. Another must-see is Rezzanello Castle and Church of San Michele Arcangelo, known for its trapezoidal plan and four towers. Visitors also enjoy Momeliano Castle, a U-shaped structure that now houses the cellars of an adjacent winery.
Yes, the Castello di Nibbiano is situated in the heart of the town. Originally an 11th-century defensive structure, it was significantly remodeled into a residential palace. While it is privately owned and not open for internal visits, its external architecture and remaining tower offer a glimpse into its long history.
Many castles in the Val Tidone region, including those around Nibbiano, have undergone significant transformations over centuries. They often evolved from medieval defensive strongholds to residential palaces, reflecting changing needs and fortunes. For example, the Castello di Nibbiano was remodeled into Palazzo Malvicini Fontana, and Castello di Sala Mandelli was rebuilt as an elegant summer residence.
Visitors to the castles around Nibbiano often appreciate their historical significance and architectural evolution. The komoot community has shared 13 photos and given 83 upvotes, highlighting the beauty and historical depth of these sites. Many enjoy the well-preserved structures, the surrounding natural landscapes, and the unique stories each castle tells about the region's past.
No, not all castles in the Nibbiano area are publicly accessible for interior visits. For instance, the Castello di Nibbiano and Castello di Genepreto are privately owned. However, their external architecture and historical remnants can still be appreciated, and some castles like Montalto Pavese offer more extensive visitor experiences.
Yes, the Castello di Sala Mandelli, perched on a hilltop between Corano and Montalbo, offers magnificent views of the surrounding ancient villages and the Val Tidone landscape. Its scenic location was a key feature when it was transformed into an elegant summer residence.
The area around Nibbiano offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous cycling routes, including challenging ones like the "Monte Penice Summit – Penice Pass (Bobbio) loop from Golferenzo" or moderate options like the "Molato Dam – Lago di Trebecco loop from Pianello Val Tidone." For more details on cycling, visit the Cycling around Nibbiano guide.
Absolutely. There are several hiking trails available, ranging from easy to moderate. Popular options include the "Lake Trebecco Loop" and the "Bridge over the Tidone – Molato Dam loop from Nibbiano." You can explore more hiking routes in the Hiking around Nibbiano guide.
Yes, the region provides excellent mountain biking opportunities. Trails like the "Tidone Springs – Molato Dam loop from Nibbiano" and the "Val Tidone Trail – Molato Dam loop from Nibbiano" offer varying difficulties. For a comprehensive list of routes, check the MTB Trails around Nibbiano guide.
While specific family-friendly activities at each castle may vary, the Rocca of Borgonovo Val Tidone is categorized as family-friendly. Exploring the external architecture of castles and the surrounding borghi (ancient villages) like Genepreto can be an engaging experience for families. Many nearby hiking and cycling routes also offer options suitable for different age groups.
The best time to visit the castles in Val Tidone is generally during the spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) months. During these periods, the weather is typically mild and pleasant for exploring, and the natural landscapes are particularly beautiful. Summer can be warm, while winter might offer a different, quieter charm, though some facilities might have reduced hours.
While specific rules for each privately owned castle may vary, many outdoor areas and trails around the castles in Val Tidone are generally dog-friendly. It's always advisable to keep dogs on a leash and clean up after them. For specific castle interiors, it's best to check directly with the site if access is permitted for pets.
Yes, Nibbiano and the wider Alta Val Tidone municipality offer various options for dining and accommodation. You can find local restaurants, cafes, and agriturismo (farm stays) that provide regional cuisine and lodging. These establishments are often located in or near the charming villages surrounding the castles, offering a convenient base for exploration.


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