Built for the first time in the 10th century the Castle of Canossa (RE) became the fortified centre of the feudal power of the Lombard Attonidi family which, with Countess Matilda, played a central role in the struggle between Empire and Papacy.
With Countess Matilda, Canossa had the greatest period of splendor. Following the famous “humiliation” on 1077, Emperor Henry IV wanted revenge. The battle, won by the Countess, was fought in 1092 in the hills north of Canossa in a place where a small church, called Madonna della Battaglia, still existing, was built in memory of the battle. When Matilda died in 1115, the castle entered into a period of decline. It was destructed for three times: in 1255, in 1412 and in 1557. Afterwards the property passed through various noble families and, finally, it was destroyed by the local population in 1821.
In 1878 the Italian State bought the remains of the castle declaring Canossa to be a national monument. Of the original building some traces remain of the walls and the temple crypt. Inside the castle there is a small national museum, which was recently renovated, and preserves, amongst other things, a precious baptismal font which dates back to the 12th century.
Emilia-Romagna Film Commission
Viale Aldo Moro 38 — 40127 Bologna
Phone: +39 051 5278753
Email: filmcom@regione.emilia-romagna.it
Email to Polo Museale dell'Emilia Romagna: pm-ero@beniculturali.it
