Comune di Spilamberto

Museum of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar. Located within the aristocratic Fabriani municipal villa (18th-19th century), the museum exhibits real pieces of the history and traditions of this precious condiment with its unrivalled taste. Just a few steps from the museum isIl Torrione, an imposing monumental complex built at the entrance to the town at the beginning of the 14th century to fortify the castle on the west. In 1947 a cell was discovered in the tower whose walls are covered with graffiti that – according to legend – were written with blood. The graffiti narrates the tragic love story of Messer Filippo. Il Torrione also plays host to the l’Antiquarium, a museum with artefacts from archaeological sites discovered in Spilamberto. The arches of Il Torrione provide access to Corso Umberto: for the residents of Spilamberto this road is the heart of the town. This street leads to constructions of great historical importance like the medieval residence of feudal lords: the antique (also called del Bargello - 15th century) where, under the Palazzo Rangoni portico, chiamato del Pavaglione, since 1578, the silkworm cocoon market was held. At the end of this boulevard rises the Church of St. John the Baptist dedicated to the town’s patron saint. Founded in 1210, the church acquired its current appearance in 1757. In 1910 it was plastered and frescoed by the Modena maestro Augusto Valli. The Church of St. Adriano was founded at the beginning of the 13th century, but was renovated on several occasions until 1713 when the architect from Modena G. A. Franchini created its present-day features. It exhibits important 15th-century works of terracotta along with beautiful paintings. Before reaching the Rangoni Fortress, visitors can look to the left and admire the Governator's Palace (1525). The majestic building that frames the view of the historic centre is the Rocca Rangoni: built at the beginning of the 13th century, it was converted from a fortress to a residence in the mid 1600s by the Rangoni family that used it as a mansion. In 2005 the building and its park came under the ownership of the City Council.