Torrechiara

Thanks to its strategic position in medieval times, the castle dominates the entire valley that stretches to the South and the plain that extends to the North. 
The lower part of the town is located on the plain below, between the hills and the Parma stream.  

The name Torrechiara derives from the medieval Torcularia and Torclaria, which later became Torchiara, due to the ancient presence of numerous presses for pressing oil, produced with the fruits of the olive groves that at the time extended over the surrounding hills. 

Now the area is known above all for the numerous wineries that produce the wines “Vini dei colli di Parma” along the gentle hills covered with vineyards. 

 The splendid Castle dominates the village. 

The castle is a pearl of rare artistic value, a perfect union between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, a love nest commissioned by the nobleman Pier Maria Rossi in the mid-15th century for his lover Bianca Pellegrini and a superb scenography of Captain Navarre's cinematic love for his Lady Hawke. 

Particular attention should be given to the Camera D'Oro, whose name derives from the pure gold leaves that once covered the tiles on the walls. The room still retains a rare cycle of frescoes attributed to Benedetto Bembo depicting scenes from the ritual of chivalrous love and the celebration of the bond between Bianca and Pier Maria. 

In the flat part of Torrechiara, along the Parma stream, there is the beautiful Abbey of Santa Maria della Neve, built in 1471 again through the patronage of Pier Maria Rossi. It is still an oasis of peace run by nuns where it is also possible to stay overnight. 

The “Sentiero d’arte” connects Langhirano to Torrechiara, a path that can be covered on foot or by bicycle in the valley, suitable for everyone with the beautiful Castle in the background. 

The castle's courtyard of honor hosts the Renata Tebaldi Festival during the summer, with concerts and shows. 

The Prosciutto di Parma Festival takes place in the surrounding areas in September.