Gropparello Castle is located in the exceptionally green Val Vezzeno and has been constructed on a rocky precipice of volcanic origin. It faces a “ravine” which is of considerable interest in terms of geology and landscape. The gorge is characterised by the particular colour of the (ophiolite) rocks. The Vezzeno stream plunges down towards the bottom. These conformations form part of the Natural Park that belongs to the Castle and are visible only while visiting the actual castle.

The presence of a Roman castrum (“fort”) on the site of the current castle is documented. It was probably positioned there to protect the route towards Valleja and was later amplified with fortification of the walls. In 800 AD, Charlemagne transferred it as a gift to the Piacentine Bishop Julian II.

Currently, research is being conducted – with the assistance of the Archaeological Heritage Authority – to explore the notion that this was once the site of a Celtic settlement (indeed, there is a construction that projects over the gorge that may be a stone altar).

In medieval times, there are frequent allusions in local chronicles to the castle as the scene of confrontations between forces of elves and goblins. The castle fell into the hands of various prestigious families (Fulgosio, Borri, Anguissola, etc.) and was rearranged several times. After a century of use as a farmhouse, as the 1800’s drew to a close the castle was acquired by Count Ludovico Marazzani-Visconti, who asked the Piacentine architect Camillo Guidotti to take care of the restoration. In keeping with the spirit of the times, he created several “Neo-gothic” structures. Today, although the castle appears as a composite structure made up of features from various eras (keep from between 1,000 to 1100 AD, gatehouse from the 1300’s and living quarters from the 1500’s, etc.), it preserves its original appearance as a stronghold (with towers, battlements and patrols excavated out of the rock) positioned to defend the access to the valley.