The medieval Castle of Spezzano, in Fiorano Modenese (Modena), was transformed into a noble residence by the Pio di Savoia family in 1529. The central nucleus was formed by the Renaissance porticoed courtyard and the sala delle vedute in the reception area which features an imposing fresco cycle depicting the towns, towers and castles of the fiefdom.
A room on the ground floor, formerly the Camera della Ragione and courthouse, became a chapel in the early 1900s and features an altar decorated with a frontal in Carpi stucco, dating to 1699, and an 18th century kneeler, donated by the family of count Alfonso Pignatti Morano, owner of Spezzano Castle. A rope in the Camera della Ragione was connected to a bell on the entrance turret to alert the population in the event of fire, natural disaster and murder. The 17th century bell was later replaced and that present today dates to the 19th century. The pentagonal tower, once the prison, houses the municipal vinegar factory today.
The castle-villa is surrounded by a romantic 19th century park, equipped with picnic area; a cycle-pedestrian path leads from the castle to the Salse di Nirano Nature Reserve. Today it houses the Fiorano ceramic museum on its first floor and basement.
Emilia-Romagna Film Commission
Viale Aldo Moro 38 — 40127 Bologna
Phone: +39 051 5278753
Email: filmcom@regione.emilia-romagna.it
