A short history:
Possibly its origin goes back to 9th – 10th century because the mount Salzano towered above the direction Parma-Lucca (as an alternative to the Via Francigena).
The first written account dates back to 958 when it was acquired by Atto Adalberto, a Matilda’s ancestor.
During Matilda’s reign it was part of the defensive system which protected her lands from the foot of the hill to the crest.
When Matilda died without an heir the castle passed from hand to hand: the Fogliani family, the city of Reggio, the House of Este and then the Carandini family which was the owner until 1796.
In 1990 the castle and the village below were acquired by the municipality of Casina which started the conservative restoration works.
A note:
Thanks to Maria del Rio (Reggio Emilia 12 February 1892 - Casina 9 July 1978) , a young psychiatrist fond of Matilda’s figure, at Casina it is possible to admire a peculiar kind of handicraft: Ars Canusina®, which resumes the typical stylistic features of the Romanesque of Matilda’s age.
Starting from the decorative trims of the capitals, of the bas-relieves, of the baptismal fonts and of other monuments, precious ornaments and original artistic creations take shape [photo 19 e 20].
Special creations skillfully made according to the strict rules of the quality specifications which guarantee the Ars Canusina® handicraft.
A curiosity:
The last marquis of Sarzano, following the hereditary line, is the English actor Christopher Lee (1922-2015).
For more info:
wikipedia: Castello_di_Sarzano
wikipedia: Maria Del Rio
wikipedia: Ars_canusina
Canossa castle
Carpinete castle
Rossena castle
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