Canossa Castle

#138 among destinations in Italy

Forts and castles, Top attraction, Historical place

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Facts and practical information

Perched atop the verdant hills of the Reggio Emilia province in Italy, Canossa Castle is a historical fortress steeped in medieval charm and political significance. This ancient castle, entwined with the tale of Emperor Henry IV and Pope Gregory VII, is a testament to the power struggles of 11th-century Europe.

Canossa Castle was the site of the famous act of penance by Emperor Henry IV in 1077, an event which came to be known as the Walk to Canossa. It was here that the emperor stood barefoot in the snow for three days, seeking forgiveness from Pope Gregory VII in a dramatic episode of the Investiture Controversy. This momentous event has since become a symbol of conflict resolution and the complex interplay between secular and ecclesiastical powers.

Today, the remnants of Canossa Castle offer a glimpse into its storied past. The ruins evoke a bygone era, with the castle's once-imposing walls and towers now providing a backdrop for historical reflection. Visitors to the site can explore the remains of the fortress, including fragments of the walls and the castle's chapel, which still stands as a relic of medieval architecture.

Local name: Castello di Canossa Coordinates: 44°34'33"N, 10°27'21"E

Location

Emilia-RomagnaItaly

Contact

+39 366 896 9303

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Day trips

Canossa Castle – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Sant'Antonino Martire, Sant'Ambrogio a Bazzano, Castello di Rossena, Castello di Sarzano.

3.9 miN
Church
Sant'Antonino Martire, Quattro Castella
101 min walk • The Sant'Antonino Martire is a Roman Catholic church located in the town center of Quattro Castella, province of Reggio Emilia, region of Emilia Romagna, Italy.
4.4 miW
Church
Sant'Ambrogio a Bazzano
113 min walk • Pieve di Sant’Ambrogio is a Romanesque-style, Roman Catholic parish church or pieve located in the neighborhood of Bazzano in Neviano degli Arduini in the region of Emilia Romagna, Italy.
1.5 miW
Forts and castles, History museum
Castello di Rossena
40 min walk • Rossena Castle is located in the municipality of Canossa in the province of Reggio Emilia, in the Reggio Apennines.
4.4 miSE
Forts and castles
Castello di Sarzano, Casina
112 min walk • Sarzano Castle is a medieval fortification located in the municipality of Casina, in the province of Reggio nell'Emilia. It is part of the Association of Castles of the Duchy of Parma, Piacenza and Pontremoli circuit.
3.9 miNW
Locality
San Polo d'Enza
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3.5 miN
Park
Oasi di Bianello, Quattro Castella
89 min walk • Bianello Oasis is a protected natural area located in the municipality of Quattro Castella in the province of Reggio Emilia, at an altitude ranging from 100 to 350 m above sea level over a forested area of about 125 hectares.
4.4 miE
Locality
Vezzano sul Crostolo
113 min walk • One of the main attractions in Vezzano sul Crostolo is the stunning Rocca dei Boiardo, a medieval fortress that offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Visitors can explore the well-preserved ruins of the castle and learn about its fascinating history.
5.7 miNW
Locality
Traversetolo
146 min walk • Traversetolo is a comune in the Province of Parma in the Italian region Emilia-Romagna, located about 80 kilometres west of Bologna and about 20 kilometres south of Parma.