La Rocca di Vignola

La Rocca di Vignola, also known as the fortress of Vignola, is a medieval fortress located in Vignola, Italy. The fortress has a rich history, dating back to the 8th century, and has undergone numerous transformations over the centuries. It was built to defend the Abbey's lands and was later transformed into a patrician residence for the Contrari family. The fortress features a majestic quadrilateral structure dominated by three towers and surrounded by a drawbridge with a moat. Visitors can explore the interior, which includes richly decorated rooms, such as the Contrari Hall, the Grassoni Hall, and the Cappella dei Contrari, which features well-preserved frescoes of stories from the life of Christ. The fortress also offers stunning views of the city and surrounding countryside from its towers. Vignola is also famous for its cherries and is a great place to sample local specialties, including Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, zampone, cotechino, and Lambrusco wine