Surrounded by the hills, on the left of the Taro river, we discover an ancient town with its castle: Compiano.
Numbered among the “most beautiful towns in Italy” it certainly deserves a deep visit, strolling through its narrow paved streets and waking up to the imposing castle.
The castle, now completely restored, hosts a prestigious hotel.
The cultural vocation of the town is revealed by being the seat of an important literary award.

A peculiarity: during the 1800 and at the beginning of 1900, Compiano was the point of departure of the “orsanti”, that is the tramps who stride along the European routes earning their living with the shows of the bears, of the camels or of the trained monkeys (in the town there is the “orsanti museum”^A)

A): the Orsanti museum moved to Vigoleno (PC)

A short history:
The town is documented from 11th century but, following the researches on the walls of the castle, the origin should be dated back to the Carolingian era (8th -9th century).
During its turbulent history It was owned by several families (Malaspina, Landi, Visconti).
Then it passed to the Farnese (from 1680 to 1731) and to the Bourbons until 1802.
Subject to the French domination until 1814, it was owned by Marie Louise of Austria and then again by the Bourbons from 1847 to 1859.
It was finally annexed to the Reign of Italy in 1860.

Two suggestions:
Visit the village during the autumn, when you can admire a superb foliage.
A few kilometers away, at Cereseto (Val di Ceno), you should admire the splendid Doric porch of the baptistery (unfortunately there are not touristic signs to indicate at least the basic information).(photos no. 41, 42 and 43)

To know more:
Castle castelli del ducato
Orsanti museum museum