Canossa Castle
Castello di Canossa
The site of the 1077 'Walk to Canossa', where Emperor Henry IV stood barefoot in the snow to beg the Pope's forgiveness; the hilltop ruins overlook a barren landscape
Canossa Castle stands on a white clay cliff at the foot of the Apennines in the Province of Reggio Emilia, about 40 km from Parma. In the 11th century it was the stronghold of Matilda, Countess of Tuscany. In 1077, Holy Roman Emperor Henry IV waited barefoot in the snow outside the gate for three days, begging Pope Gregory VII to lift his excommunication. Since then, 'going to Canossa' has become a byword for submission and admitting fault. Today only the walls and foundations remain. The small Naborre Campanini Museum displays excavated artifacts and a model reconstructing the castle. From the cliff edge the views are wide, overlooking the surrounding 'calanchi', the gullied clay badlands. Entry is about 4 to 5 euros, and opening hours vary by season; in winter it is often open only on weekends. A car is needed, and the nearby Rossena Castle can be visited on the way.
Opening hours
approx. 09:00–17:00 or 19:00 (varies by season; mostly open weekends in winter; closed Mondays)
Nearby sights
- Langhirano Prosciutto Valley
- Torrechiara Castle
- Strada Farini
- San Giovanni Evangelista
- Piazza Garibaldi
- Parma Cathedral
- Baptistery of Parma
- Santa Maria della Steccata