Spezzano Castle (Castello di Spezzano)

The appearance of the Coccapani Fortress in Fiorano appears to be the product of multiple building campaigns, closely linked to the ambitions of the noble families who took turns in governing this area. The role played by the Pio di Carpi family, who were invested with the fiefdom by the Este princes, seems to have been particularly significant. During the 16th century, they lavished considerable efforts in making the castle a centre of power and a noble residence.

Set on a sloping stone base, the three main brick buildings enclose an inner courtyard on three sides, enclosed on the southern side by two crenellated curtain walls placed in succession to surround an open space, only partially occupied to the south-west by a residential building. In addition to an opening created in the crenellated walls to the south, a second opening with a drawbridge and marked by a protruding structure, gives access from the northern side. The castle also has two towers: one with a quadrangular plan, located at the north-west corner, the second, with a pentagonal layout, erected at the south-east corner. Special attention should be paid to the frescoes that adorn the interior spaces, including the so-called Sala delle Vedute on the ground floor.