Castelnovo Di Sotto Between the Rocca and Carnival

In Castelnovo Di Sotto, local history, Carnival and Parco della Rocca represent different aspects of the destination. The historic centre is arranged around the ancient Rocca; the Museo della Maschera del Carnevale introduces visitors to the history and making of the masks. Sacred art and astronomy activities are also among the themes that shape the town.

The Rocca and the Medieval Town Centre

Next to the Rocca is a medieval town centre, with narrow buildings arranged in regular rows. Arcades characterise these rows of houses. The Rocca and the adjacent centre give the historic centre a clear spatial layout: beyond the town’s landmark lies a built-up area whose narrow, regularly aligned buildings have a distinctive character. Those interested in local history and architecture can look not only at individual buildings, but also at the layout and character of the rows of houses.

Carnival and Mask-Making

The Carnevale del Castlein has medieval roots and is a secular tradition. In its modern form, it was first held in 1886. The year therefore marks the beginning of the modern form, not the Carnival’s earlier roots.

The Museo della Maschera del Carnevale preserves 182 pieces associated with a mask-making workshop. Prospero Guatteri founded the workshop in 1810; it remained active until 1933. An educational museum tour explains both the history of the Carnival mask and the creative and technical steps involved in making one. The museum thus brings together its collection, Carnival tradition and the mask-making process. While the chronology of the Carnevale del Castlein places the festival’s development in context, the tour focuses on how the masks are made.

Parco della Rocca

Parco della Rocca is the preserved part of the former Prato della Rocca, which was designed at the end of the 18th century. Winding avenues, bodies of water, orchards, wooded areas and large lawns characterised the former grounds. These features give an impression of the historic site’s design. The park is centrally located within the town and is used for cultural, recreational, educational and sporting activities. Individual programmes may vary. This makes it possible to distinguish the history of the site from its use for different activities: the landscape features describe the former Prato, while the activities listed describe the park’s purpose.

Church and Works of Art

The Chiesa della Beata Vergine della Misericordia was built between 1555 and 1598. The church houses works by Lorenzo Franchini, Palma il Giovane and Lionello Spada: Franchini’s Madonna del Rosario is dated 1602, Palma il Giovane created La Crocifissione in 1614, and Spada’s Natività della Vergine bears the year 1616. The construction period and the dates of the works can be understood as two successive stages: first the church was built, followed by the artworks mentioned here, which date to the early 17th century.

Events and Local Produce

The 2026 Fiera dei Cavalli programme included a horse gathering in Parco Rocca and archery demonstrations. Food and produce from local agriculture were also part of the programme: Gnocco fritto and tastings were offered, and Ciccioli were cooked over a wood fire. These programme highlights combine the horse gathering and demonstrations with regional products and a specific method of preparation. The information refers to the 2026 programme.

Astronomy as Another Focus

At the Osservatorio Astronomico Padre Angelo Secchi, the Associazione Reggiana di Astronomia organises astronomy courses, conferences and summer camps for schools and the public. The range of activities extends from courses and conferences to summer camps. Alongside the town’s historical and artistic themes, astronomy education adds a distinct focus to its offerings.

Discover more destinations: Castelnovo Ne' Monti, Fabbrico, Villarotta, Casalgrande, Albinea, Campagnola Emilia, Castellazzo, Cecciola

For the main travel overview: Reggio Emilia.