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The castel of
the "Matilde di Canossa"
A powerful fortified system protected the feudal stato that the Countess Matilde governed between the XIth and XIIth
centuries.
The ‘Attonidi’, Matildes’ forefathers founded these castles, a, which between the rivers Taro and Reno reinforced the Northern frontier providing both protection and an obvious symbol of
authority. It is probable that these Matildic Castles were built onto the pre-existing
structures.
The reinforced lines followed from West to East along differing
altitudes. Canossa fo example, is situated on an intermediate line of
defence, while Bianello is directly on the plane, ready to confront
any enemies from the North. The Matildic Castles were destroyed on the first part by free individual Town
Councils, intolerant of feudal power and the during the fighting between the
Lords.
The Matildic Territory is characterized by traditional stones
villages, imposing castles and numerous parish churches which represent the religious
dimension. The parish churches functioned as assistance and were strategically located on the
territory, often in union with the castles.
Even the parish churches played a full role ih the organization of the Matildic territory and it is well noted
that the Countess promoted the construction of numerous churches. These were maintained by the donations of the
parisheners, and were rigidly regulated.
Few of these buildings have elements of the original architecture still easily
visible, having undergone important modifications over the centuries. Until the XVIth century followed the tradition of having the façade facing west, the plan of the building was rectangular with three aisles at the end abside. V ery important was the sculptural decoration of the capitol and the large baptism font.
- Matildic Castles Map |
Bianello
Montechiarugolo
Canossa
Neviano
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The Matildic
path
This is the ancient medieval route which from the month of the river Enza leads to the heart of the Canossa dominion, from the castles of Rossena, Canossa, Sarzano and Carpineti up to Toano, you head towards the ridge of ‘Passo delle Forbici’ cross the turreted ‘via delle Scalalle’ , to then descend towards the Tuscan lands. This itinerary allows you to discover both the antique system of communication and that of defense based on the castles and tower houses (Cavandola, Monchio, Sorchio and Riana are all inserted in the route) but also suggests a territory intact and whole, such as the antique sulphur springs of Quara, the hump back bridge of Cadignano and the plaster sculptures of the Secchia.
The Matildic path evolves in the direction North-South and does not present any particular difficulties.
The circuit can be covered in four stages :
STAGE 1 : Ciano D’Enza, Rossena, Canossa, Bergogno, Monchio dei Ferri, castello di Garzano, Casina (6 hours).
STAGE 2 : Casina, Migliora, Branciglia, Badia di Marola, Sorchio, Cigarello, Riana, Carpiteti, Castello,
S. Caterina, Colombaia, Stiano, Manno, Toano (8 hours).
STAGE 3 : Toano, Frale, Fonti di Quara, Codignano, Campolungo, Case Rossi, Morsicano, Mulino,
Fontanini, Gazzano (6 hours).
STAGE 4 : Gazzano, Case Stefani, Prati, Divago, Case del Dolo, Passo delle Forbici (4,30
hours).
- Route Map
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Bismantova
Carpineti
Pianzo
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