It is astonishing that the part now visible is only 1/5 of the original stronghold.

The stronghold, transformed in luxurious manor, housed one of the most illustrious families of Parma country, the Rossi. Hirelings by trade, they enriched the stronghold with frescoes by Giulio Romano disciples, by Baglione, Sumacchini, Bertoja, Procaccini and Paganino equalizing its splendour to the courts of the Medici and the Gonzaga.

The last one of the Rossi line, dying without heirs, donated the manor to a close family.
The heirs, to maintain the manor, sold at first the fittings and the tapestries, and then the walls, so dismantling the stronghold: that’s the reason why 4/5 of it disappeared.
At last the castle was given to the Municipality of San Secondo and was used as Town hall until lately.
A representation (a little bit fantastic) of the majesty of the original building is visible in a painting exposed in the interior.
The remaining part has to be visited: beyond the architectural structure, the imposing display of frescoes is still perfectly preserved.
The Room of the Gesta Rossiane is superb as well as the fresco representing (in 17 squares) the tale of the Golden Donkey, a sort of ante-litteram comic strip.

Opening times: all the year [1]
Visiting hours (only guided tours):
December and January: Saturday, Sunday an Holydays
From February to November: from Tuesday to Sunday – starting from April also on Monday afternoon
Guided tours hours: 10:00 am-11:00 am– 2:00 pm-3:00 pm- 4:00 pm-5:00 pm-6:00* pm
(*suspended with solar time)
very last Saturday of the month from 9:30pm “Arte e suggestioni in Rocca”: show-visit a cast incostume and tasting of typical dishes
For groups and night visits booking is strictly required.
Info:
tel +39 0521 873214
fax +39 0521 872147

A suggestion for the person in charge of the Rocca Sanvitale and the Rocca dei Rossi:
In the interiors of the Rocca Sanvitale photograph is forbidden, while in the interiors of the Rocca dei Rossi it is not.
In many English places it is possible to photograph (without flash) on payment and it would be an example to be followed, considering the lack of funds of our Institutions.[2]

For more info:
www.parmawelcome.it: roccadei Rossi (EN)
wikipedia: Rocca dei Rossi (San Secondo Parmense)

updated november 2021:
[1] to be verified due to COVID 19
[2] it would seem that it is no longer allowed to take pictures, or have become rich or work tired

Update February 2025:
for visits see
www.cortedeirossi.it