Castles, Labyrinths, Ghosts, And Italian Landscapes

This imposing castle was built to defend medieval trade across the Apennines.
Set on the top of a hill, the castle has an extraordinary view of the surrounding mountains and forests, as well as the village just below.
The castle now houses the Museum of the Lunigiana Stele Statues, found over the years along the Magra River. These statues represent stylised human figures and, although still an unsolved mystery, constitute some of the area’s most important heritage.
Opening Hours: October – May Monday – Sunday: 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
June – September Monday – Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
August Monday – Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
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A small village restaurant, very well maintained, with excellent home cooking.
The menu here is strongly traditional: try the gnocco fritto with cured meats, the homemade tortelloni, as well as all the desserts.
A concentration of Emilian delicacies!
Opening Hours: Monday, Thursday – Sunday: 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., 7:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Tuesday – Wednesday: Closed

Franco Maria Ricci was an Italian graphic artist, designer, and publisher who had a dream: to build a great labyrinth.
The initial goal was to leave a trace of himself in the land of his family, where he was born and raised. The project then became more extensive, and the mission turned into land enhancement.
Today, this labyrinth is the largest existing labyrinth built entirely of bamboo and stretches a total of 3 km in length.
The labyrinth is surrounded by a large park. The same area also houses a museum exhibiting the collection of artworks that Ricci collected throughout his life, a cafeteria, and a restaurant.
Opening Hours: April – October Monday – Sunday: 10:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
November – March Monday – Sunday: 9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
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Rivalta Castle will literally leave you speechless!
First of all, because of the beautiful park surrounding the castle, giving it a fairy-tale appearance, and because of the sumptuous staircase next to the arcaded courtyard.
Then, the interior rooms will take you back in time. Not all of them can be visited, however, because the Counts Zanardi Landi still live here.
Also, this castle was visited by Princess Margaret of England in the 1980s. On that occasion, one of the three ghosts that inhabit the castle decided to play some innocent pranks on the distinguished guests.
Opening Hours: Private individual visits are possible, to be booked 24 hours in advance for visits in English or Italian and one week in advance for visits in other languages.
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Late afternoon is the perfect time to visit the historic centre of Lodi, when the sun lights up the façade of the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta with golden light.
And it’s Our Lady to whom this church is dedicated: inside there are three frescoes dedicated to Saint Mary, as is the statue placed in the altar.
The cathedral faces Victory Square, where the city's most important buildings stand. The square is surrounded by beautiful arcades, under which you can take refuge from the rain and sun.
Lodi is a small town in the Po Valley, rather close to the larger Milan, and is surrounded by boundless fields whose colours are constantly changing due to seasonal crops.
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 7:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., 3:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

You’ll find a simply fantastic view, whimsical and creative menu, and reception with attention to detail in this modern and elegant restaurant, which will be the icing on the cake of this trip to the heart of Italy.
Reservations recommended: book here.