5 fabulous locations for your wedding in the hills of Piacenza
The Colli Piacentini are one of the most romantic areas of Italy: rolling hills, picturesque streams, vineyards and fields, represent a perfect setting for the wedding of your dreams. You will find everything you need to make your dreams come true: skilfully refurbished castles, poetic landscapes, country farms with flavors from the past, in other words, a solution to suit all tastes and all budgets. Here are a few suggestions of breathtaking locations in the hills of Piacenza which can be easily reached from Podere Casale.
Castello di Rivalta
A dream wedding has to take place in a castle: nothing better than the Castello di Rivalta , one of the very few in all of Europe which takes pride in its surrounding hamlet and picturesque atmosphere. The castle is still inhabited by the Count Zanardi Landi family, who have owned it since the year 1200. The magnificent 17th century garden is an ideal setting for aperitifs before the wedding lunch or dinner or for photos. 54 rooms furnished with furniture and carpets that date to the 1400’s but still functional have hosted kings, queens , princesses, aristocrats, and heads of state from all over the world. In fact, Princess Margaret, ( sister of the Queen of England) spent her summer vacation here for many years. The managers of the Castle will take care of every detail of the ceremony: the tables will be set impeccably, with refined centrepieces and precious silverware; the park will be available for the realization of the wedding album while guests can take advantage of a guided tour of the castle. The religious ceremony can take place in the adjoining San Martino Church: a detail which will make the wedding really special. Furthermore, the bride and groom may also choose to rent a carriage or a vintage automobile for their grand entrance. Rent of the Castle is 2000 Euro, but there are special packages which include photos, flowers and music. Ristorante Rocchetta or Tantera Catering are the two possible choices available for catering.
Contacts: 052/3978104 castellodirivalta@gmail.com www.castellodirivalta.it It is also possible to spend the night at the hotel de charme “Residenza Torre San Martino” 052/3972002 info@torredisanmartino.it
Castello di Rivalta is about an hour by car from Milan and 20 minutes from Podere Casale.
Santa Giustina
Azienda Agricola Santa Giustina dates to the year 1000. An ancient atmosphere intelligently combined with modern services: a wedding in a warm welcoming atmosphere, with every comfort and at the same time bound to the territory and its traditions. Located on the first hills of Val Tidone, the pride of this estate is the production of grapes and wine cultivated in 30 of the over 100 hectars. There is also a private game reserve, cultivated fields and woods. A wedding in this corner of paradise costs Euro 150 per person for a group of 100 guests; the price includes the location, catering, wine, and organization. Gaia Bucciarelli, who manages the estate tells us that “Santa Giustina is the ideal setting for an unforgettable wedding. An unquestionable charm for this location where prestigious historical constructions meet the charm of the surrounding landscape. Since we are convinced that places are nothing without people, we have created a staff of professional who will guide you step by step.” A small church, dating to the year 1000, is one of the highlights of the estate. The elegant baroque façade, following careful restoration carried out by the Bucciarelli family (owners for over 40 years) has returned too its ancient splendour. The warm welcoming atmosphere is ideal for a wedding ceremony. The attentive staff will take care of everything for you: from the bonbonnieres (lovely bottles “dressed for the feast” with personalized labels or inside prestigious wooden cases designed by artists), invitations, place cards, tableaux, thank you notes, wedding album, all hand made, floral decorations for the church, buffet and village, make up and hair styling, gowns, photos, videos, music, audio and lights , coverings in case of rain, arrival and departure of bride and groom ( horse carriages, vintage autos, and even a dirigible are available), entertainment for children ( with an area dedicated to them) and even dog sitting. Really the bride and groom do not have to worry about anything but enjoying the most beautiful day of their life.
Santa Giustina Estate is located in Santa Giustina locality of Pianello Val Tidone, about an hour and half from Milan and about fifteen minutes from Podere Casale.
Telephone: 0523/994612 info@santagiustina.com www.santagiustina.com
Castello di Castelnovo
Centuries old trees in a dream garden, a spellbinding draw-bridge, a breathtaking travertine wrought-iron well, interiors with vaulted coffer ceilings or frescos, the Castelnovo castle offers all this. A unique location for a dream wedding. Aristocrats and nobility from all over the world, as well as heads of state and celebrities have stayed in this castle. “I cannot reveal the names of those who have married here because we care for the privacy of our newlyweds “ the manager Gianni tells us. “I can only say that many VIPs have chosen this castle to make their love dream come true: a glance at our photos are proof of this.” A location worthy of a prince at a good price: a wedding for 100 guests starts at Euro 1700: the price varies depending on the day of the week, the time ( there is an increase for evening ceremonies), the season, if coverings are necessary in case of rain, and of course the choice of the menu. The castle can host up to 500 guests in the medieval courtyard, 360 inside 220 in the dining rooms and 140 in the conservatory. The large dining room seats 140 and there are nine rooms available. Parking is also available.
The castle is 72 kilometers from Milan and only 5 from Podere Casale.
For info and reservations: contatti@castelnovo.it www.castelnovo.it Contact Gianni. Cell phone 347/3607584 Fax 010/2471607
Torre Fornello
Torre Fornello is proud of its millennial history: the first documents date to the year1028. Along tradition fully respected by the present management that offers modern facilities with a taste of the past, where a wedding represents a captivating and romantic experience, and every single detail is taken care of. “Torre Fornello is an ancient noble residence in the hills of the Piacenza province, a splendid setting to make your wedding a very special day.” the manager Luca Bergamin explains. “You can organize a grand banquet that will surprise your guests”. There are various rooms available: a large indoor beam ceiling dining room for large ceremonies; a lovely garden, a small roman church for the religious or civil ceremony. A cellar, stables and vineyards are also available for unforgettable photos.
Azienda Agricola Torre Fornello is located in Ziano Piacentino, an hour from Milan and five minutes from Podere Casale.
Tel. 0523-861001 Fax 0523-861638 Web Site: www.torrefornello.it commerciale@torrefornello.it
Castello di Sarmato
The Castle of Sarmato, directly managed by the owner Count Carlo Pietro Zanardi Landi, offers an enchanting environment for a wedding worthy of a prince. Count Zanardi Landi explains that “what makes our castle unique is the fact that most of the original furnishings have been conserved: the castle has undergone conservation and renovation. The original look has not been altered and its charm intact. The furnishings are original and belong to the family. Princess Margaret spent many vacations here and compared the music room to a room of Windsor Castle. Newlyweds can take photos for their wedding album in front of fabulous staircases, grand piano, frescos. A wedding at Sarmato costs starting from Euro 2000 with catering available; outdoor weddings are possible for up to 500 guests. Another asset of this castle is the possibility to stay overnight, the newlyweds and up to five couples can sleep in magnificent rooms with four poster richly embroidered beds.
The castle is an hour from Milan and about fifteen minutes from Podere Casale.
Info: castellodisarmato@gmail.it Tel. 39 0523 887305 Address: Via Castello 1/16 – 29100 Sarmato (Piacenza)
a wedding into a castle on the piacentino hills, it sounds so romantic