Having read on the “news from the province of Parma” that the castle of Bardi had been finally reopened, notwithstanding the bad weather we went to visit it.

Placed on a hill overlooking the valley, the stronghold towers above he village.
As any self-respecting castle inside its walls mysteries and dark legends have grown.

It is told that, between the 15th and the 16th century, a period of fierce conflicts among seigniories, the commander of the garrison, Cavalier Moroello, fell in love with Soleste.
Destiny was however merciless toward this love:the knight was forced to fight against an aggressive neighbour state.
Soleste saw an army coming back exposing the banners of the enemy.
Fearing to fell into enemy hands, terrified she decided to avoid the tragic fate throwing herself off the donjon.
It was not the enemy but Moroello’s army coming back and raising those banners to display his victory.
So Moroello, feeling guilty for the death of his beloved Soleste, followed her doom and threw himself off the donjon.
Since then his ghost, maybe looking for peace, wanders the round paths and the terraces.

A short history:

The fortress is a rare example of medieval well preserved stronghold.

The first notes go back to 869. In 1257 it was handed down to Landi, a family from Piacenza.
It was appointed marquisate by the emperor Charles V who gave to Landis the permission to mint coin.
It was ceded to Farnese family in 1682 and from then it was threw in one’s lot with the dukedom of Parma.

The recent renovation enabled the public access to many areas; in my opinion however the renewal has to be completed.

The village too presents remarkable sides.

Indubitably to be visited.