Province Province of Parma | Phone +39 0521 873214 | |
 | ||
Address Piazza Mazzini, 10, 43017 San Secondo Parmense PR, Italy Similar Rocca Sanvitale, Rocca Meli Lupi di Soragna, Castello di Montechiarugolo, Rocca Di Sala Baganza, Castello di Compiano | ||
La rocca dei rossi di san secondo
Rocca dei Rossi is a castle located at piazza Mazzini #12 in the town of San Secondo Parmense, Province of Parma. in the Italian region Emilia-Romagna. A different Rocca dei Rossi, also known as Castello di Roccabianca is located in the town of Roccabianca.
Contents
History
It was begun in 1466 on land donated to Giacomo Rossi, of a highly prominent family in Parma. The stronghold was later turned into a luxurious manor decorated with 16th-century frescoes by important local artists. The last heir of the Rossi family donated the castle back to the Municipality of San Secondo and was used as Town hall until 2007. The manor is open to tours of its architecture and artwork all year.
Castle
Only the northwest wing and the northeast façade remain of the 16th century structure. During the last part of the 19th century, a large part of the castle was destroyed. The Renaissance courtyard, the main staircase and the reception hall, and the frescoes on the piano nobile remain. In 1983, an earthquake caused considerable damage to the building, requiring extensive restructuring. Today, guided tours of the castle are held regularly with performers dressed in historic costumes. In the first week of June, the Rocca provides the stage for a traditional Palio of San Secondo, contested among the various contrade of the town, and the theatrical representation of the marriage between Pier Maria III de' Rossi and Camilla Gonzaga, originally celebrated on 13 February 1523.
Art
In the 16th century, the Rossi castle was decorated with frescoes depicting secular themes by prominent disciples of Giulio Romano, including by Baglione, Orazio Samacchini, il Bertoja, Procaccini and Paganino. The estravagant decoration was due to a wish by the Rossi not to appear inferior to the new lords of Parma, the Farnese.
Main artworks include: