
Castello di Gropparello
A thousand-year-old medieval castle offering magical fairy-tale parks, theatrical tours, and unique overnight stays.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fairy Tale Park is open

Castello di Gropparello
Best Time
Fairy Tale Park is open
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A thousand-year-old medieval castle offering magical fairy-tale parks, theatrical tours, and unique overnight stays.
"It's a gorgeous place with such a friendly staff that you might want to stay in there like forever."

Book Tours & Dining Ahead
Essential for securing spots, especially for theatrical tours and the medieval tavern.
Consider Overnight Stays
For a truly immersive experience, book a night in the tower. Worth every cent!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Parco delle Fiabe (Fairy Tale Park)
Castle Grounds
An enchanting park where children can live out magical stories with animated tales and actors. A truly unique experience!

Medieval Taverna Dining
Castle
Savor authentic Piacentini dishes in a historic medieval tavern setting. A culinary journey back in time.

Theatrical Guided Tours
Castle Interior
Experience history brought to life with costumed actors portraying knights, witches, and more. Engaging for all ages!

Overnight Stays in the Tower
Torre del Barbagianni
Sleep like royalty in a historic tower room, offering a unique and memorable medieval lodging experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for the Magic
Embrace the Medieval Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Tours & Dining Ahead
Essential for securing spots, especially for theatrical tours and the medieval tavern.
Consider Overnight Stays
For a truly immersive experience, book a night in the tower. Worth every cent!
Check Tour Language
Theatrical tours are primarily in Italian, but still captivating visually.
Factor in Tour Length
Tours can be long (up to 1.5 hours), so plan accordingly, especially after dinner.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Tours & Dining Ahead
Essential for securing spots, especially for theatrical tours and the medieval tavern.
Consider Overnight Stays
For a truly immersive experience, book a night in the tower. Worth every cent!
Check Tour Language
Theatrical tours are primarily in Italian, but still captivating visually.
Factor in Tour Length
Tours can be long (up to 1.5 hours), so plan accordingly, especially after dinner.
Drinks Not Included
Be aware that drinks, including water, are extra at the restaurant.
Dress for the Occasion
Comfortable shoes are a must for exploring the castle and grounds.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Castello di Gropparello, calling it a gorgeous, magical place with friendly staff and delicious food. Many highlight the unique medieval experience, especially the theatrical tours and overnight stays, making it worth every cent. Some note that drinks aren't included and tours can be long, but overall, it's a highly recommended destination for families and those seeking a fairytale escape.
"Four of us stayed the night in the tower of the Gropparello castle. It was very comfortable, warm, and had everything we needed. We had family join us for dinner the night before, and to celebrate one of my daughters’ birthday. The room was beautiful and lit appropriately for an intimate dinner. We opted to have their breakfast in the morning, and to help me keep the party going, the owners and staff helped me decorate the breakfast room. They went above and beyond to ensure we had a magical time. All the food (dinner included) was delectable!! The morning spread was splendid! The owners are very knowledgeable about the castle’s history as well as that of the region. They were also able to tell some history of my great great great grandfather who owned the Gropparello for a time, and did a lot for the community during his time there. I highly recommend! We went in the winter so we missed the beautiful rose and flower gardens and children activities they have outdoors."
Zarina’s Verdict
"We booked the package of dinner and tour which was expensive and when we got there we realized you can eat in their restaurant without the tour, something their page didn't offer.
Food was good quality but it's important to know that drinks are not included, not even water.
After having a big dinner and a bottle of wine it was a struggle to do the hour and a half tour, which started at 10.30 and finished at midnight"
Rosa Helena Greiffenstein
"We attended a festive “theatrical” tour guided by costumed actors playing among other characters a knight, a priest, an ogre, a witch, (Strega!) a maiden and various butchers, cooks and servants. Primarily aimed toward children and entirely in Italian, this was a full day spent absorbing with eyes and soul the history of this magical medieval castle."
Kelly Wohlford
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Castello di Gropparello is located in the province of Piacenza, about 30 km from Piacenza city. It's roughly a 1 hour and 20-minute drive from Milan. Driving is the most convenient way to reach the castle, as public transport options are limited. Parking is available on-site.
Public transport to Castello di Gropparello is challenging. It's best to travel by car. If you are relying on public transport, you would likely need to take a train to Piacenza and then arrange a taxi or local bus service, which may be infrequent.
The most straightforward way to travel from Milan to Castello di Gropparello is by car, taking approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. This allows for flexibility and easy access to the castle grounds.
Yes, Castello di Gropparello is situated in the Piacenza Valley, close to towns like Piacenza itself. It's also part of a region rich with other charming villages and castles, such as Vigoleno and Castell'Arquato.
Absolutely! Castello di Gropparello makes for a fantastic day trip, especially from cities like Milan. You can enjoy the guided tours, the Fairy Tale Park, and perhaps lunch at the medieval tavern.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary depending on the experience you choose. Guided tours, access to the Fairy Tale Park, and special events like Christmas celebrations will have different admission fees. It's recommended to check the official Castello di Gropparello website for the most up-to-date pricing and package options.
Yes, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially for guided tours, overnight stays, and dining experiences. The Fairy Tale Park is often open on Sundays by reservation. This ensures you secure your preferred time slot and avoid disappointment.
Opening hours can vary seasonally and by day of the week. The castle is generally open for visits, but specific times for tours, the park, and the restaurant should be confirmed on their official website before your visit.
Yes, Castello di Gropparello offers various tours, including historical guided tours and engaging 'theatrical' tours with costumed actors, which are particularly popular with families. Some tours are primarily in Italian.
While some areas might be accessible, a guided tour is often the best way to experience the history and stories of Castello di Gropparello. You can also dine at their restaurant without necessarily taking a tour, though this wasn't always explicitly clear on their booking page.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Parco delle Fiabe is a magical outdoor area within the castle grounds designed for children. It features animated stories, interactive elements, and actors who bring fairy tales to life, creating an immersive fantasy world.
Absolutely! The Fairy Tale Park and the theatrical tours are specifically designed to be engaging and magical for children. Families often describe it as a perfect day out.
Castello di Gropparello boasts over a thousand years of history. It's a medieval fortress built on a rocky spur, steeped in legends and stories, offering a glimpse into centuries past. The owners are very knowledgeable about its history.
Yes, you can have a truly unique experience by staying overnight in one of the castle's towers, such as the Torre del Barbagianni. This offers a full medieval immersion and is highly recommended by visitors.
Comfortable walking shoes are essential as you'll be exploring the castle and its grounds. Depending on the season, dress in layers. For special dinners, you might opt for slightly more formal attire, but the overall atmosphere is generally relaxed.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You can dine at the Medieval Taverna for a traditional experience or at the newer Bistrot del Castello, which offers breakfast and lunch with fresh, local dishes. Both offer a unique atmosphere within the castle complex.
The Medieval Taverna serves authentic Piacentini dishes, offering a taste of regional cuisine in a historic setting. Expect hearty, traditional meals that complement the medieval ambiance.
No, drinks are not included with meals, even water. This is an important detail to note when budgeting for your dining experience.
Reviews consistently praise the food quality. Visitors describe the meals as delectable and the morning spreads as splendid. The Bistrot offers genuine and refined dishes.
Yes, the Bistrot del Castello is open in the morning for breakfast, offering a delightful start to your day. If you stay overnight, breakfast is often included or available as an option.
📸 📸 Photography
The castle itself, with its square towers and rocky setting, is incredibly photogenic. The Parco delle Fiabe offers whimsical scenes, and the medieval tavern provides atmospheric shots. Don't miss the views from the castle ramparts.
Photography is generally allowed inside the castle during tours, but it's always a good idea to check with your guide. Be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash in sensitive areas.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset can offer beautiful light for exterior shots of the castle. During the day, the Fairy Tale Park is vibrant, and the interior tours provide unique lighting opportunities.
The entrance gate, the main courtyard, the views from the higher levels of the castle, and the surrounding Gole del Vezzeno gorge offer stunning photographic potential.
Drone usage is typically restricted at historical sites to protect the monument and ensure visitor safety. It's best to check the castle's official policy or contact them directly before planning any drone photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💍 Couples & Romantic Getaways
🏰 History Buffs & Culture Seekers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit