The most famous castles near Parma
The most famous towns near Parma are marked on the map. The green signs indicate the most famous places (more information on our site) and those described on this page are marked in red. In one day you can visit about three castles in Parma and stroll through the small local villages. And then you can go towards the south to visit the famous Bardi castle of Parma, going by the Varano de' Melegari and Compiano castles. You can also see these locations on the map.
The most famous castles of Parma
Bardi Fortress
Distance from Parma: 62 km / 38.5 miles (1 hour and 15 minutes by car).
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The Castle of Torrechiara
Distance from Parma: 20 km / 12.5 miles (20 minutes by car).
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The medieval village of Vigoleno
Distance from Parma: 43 km / 27 miles (45 minutes by car).
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The Castle of Varano de' Melegari
This fortress is located on the road to the Bardi castle and today is the most representative of defensive architecture. The Castle of Varano de' Melegari sits on a hill. Construction began in the XI century and ended only during the next century. And it hasn’t lost its formidable and impenetrable appearance.
Open from March to October, only on weekends and holidays. Read more information on timetables on their website: http://www.castellodivarano.it
Compiano Castle
Founded way back in the year 1000, the Castello di Compiano has maintained its medieval appearance. Even along the staircase leading to the castle and in the internal courtyard you feel as if you have been catapulted into the past. These days there is a museum in the fortress of Compiano, so the employees have always carefully furnished it as it was once upon a time. The castle is the most distant tourist destination from Parma, not far from Bardi, but it is worth a visit!
Cost in 2024: €7 / $8.10.
Open from March to June only at weekends; in July and August every day; from September to October only on weekends; in November and December only on Sundays. Open from 10am to 6pm.
The Reggia of Colorno
The town of Colorno is located only 12 km / 7.5 miles from Parma and is home to the elegant Palace of Colorno. This pompous building is surrounded by a French garden and well-maintained internal courtyards. In the same building there are about 400 rooms, floors of pink marble and decorated ceilings. To get to Colorno take bus n. 7 that runs every hour.
The entrance to the park is free, whereas to visit la Reggia you must pay €6.50 / $7.50 (2024).
The park and the palace are open from 10am to 5pm; from December to February only on weekends. It is open all other months every day, with a small exception: during the summer months it is closed on Mondays.
