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Guided Tour of Montecuccolo Castle
Not to be missed to complete your day: the Ducal Palace and Gardens of Pavullo
The Ducal Palace of Pavullo nel Frignano, located in the province of Modena, is a historic residence built in the 19th century by order of Duke Francesco IV of Austria-Este. This neoclassical building stands out for its grandeur and its panoramic position overlooking the Panaro River valley. Today, it hosts exhibitions and cultural events.
Next to the palace lies the Ducal Garden, a large 19th-century park designed for leisure and ceremonial use. With tree-lined paths, rare plant species, and scenic viewpoints, the garden is a refined example of Romantic landscape design, perfectly complementing the elegance of the ducal residence.
Duration
1h30min
Description
Montecuccolo Castle, whose earliest records date back to the 11th century, is located in Pavullo nel Frignano, near Modena, and was once the residence of the region’s main feudal lords: the Montecuccoli family, from whom it takes its name. This splendid fortress was originally built for defensive purposes, but over time it took on the features of a Renaissance residence. From the castle, visitors can enjoy a stunning view of the Modenese Apennine Mountains.
The oldest part of the complex is the keep, which was originally a typical watchtower from the Matildic period. It was later rebuilt and modified, and today it serves as the bell tower of the parish church. Next to the tower, the panoramic terrace now occupies the site of the first feudal palace, which collapsed in the 19th century.
The castle, which underwent a restoration completed in 2009, is fully open to visitors and offers several themed tours:
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The historical tour, focusing on the Montecuccoli family's history, the architectural evolution of the fortress, and the achievements of Raimondo Montecuccoli, who in the 17th century became one of the most powerful figures in Europe.
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The nature tour, featuring examples of local flora and fauna from the Frignano area.
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The art tour, which includes a variety of permanent and temporary exhibitions.
The castle also hosts a permanent nativity scene collection by artist Giuseppe Ricci, with detailed scenes set in mountain villages and hamlets of the Modenese countryside, or in the traditional rural world.
Within the castle walls, in the buildings that once housed the governors of Frignano and the Palace of Justice, there is now an atmospheric medieval restaurant, where guests can enjoy ancient recipes in a dreamlike setting.
This visit is part of the event series:
A Journey among Villas and Castles between Bologna and Modena
Price:
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Full: €15
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Reduced (Culture Card holders and FAI members): €12
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Reduced (ages 6–12): €6
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Free: ages 0–5
The price includes:
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Guided tour of Montecuccolo Castle
Meeting point:
At Montecuccolo Castle
Cancellation policy:
Cancellations with refund or changes to the booking are possible up to 48 hours before the start of the activity.
Please note:
The tour is not fully accessible for people with motor disabilities.
