The Castle of Torrechiara is a splendid example of Italian castle art famous not only for its beauty, but also for its history consumed within its walls.
The scene of a beautiful love story, the one between the leader Pier Maria de Rossi and the lady Bianca Pellegrini, popular legends remind us that where there was a great love is possible there are also the ghosts of the two lovers, reluctant to leave the place where they were so happy through mutual love.
Torrechiara is no exception.
It is said that between the corridors and rooms of the castle, especially in the west wing, there is still the ghost of Count Rossi walking unhappy for his lost love, repeating the phrase “nunc et semper” (now and forever), the motto of the two lovers who, although both are already married, have refused their commitments and decided to live in the light of day their passion.
The motto can still be seen in the fresco kept inside the “Golden Room” of the castle, built between 1448 and 1462.
It seems that the castle is also infested by a further presence. It is impossible for it to be the beloved Bianca Pellegrini because it is said that the ghosts were unable to cross the water and that Bianca, buried just beyond the river Po, could not return to Torrechiara.
It seems that the second spirit is that of a lady who lived in the castle during the seventeenth century, the most recent period in history between Pier Maria and Bianca, and who was walled up alive by her husband. However, it is not a disturbing presence, but an extremely expansive and cheerful woman, who gives kisses to those who are lucky enough to meet her.