The Magic and Intrigues of the Night

Special Guided Tour with Escape Castle: A Mysterious Game of Puzzles with Medieval Ciphers, Dantean Secrets, and Cryptex by Candlelight
For lovers, families, and groups of friends…

Saturday 14 February: 11:15, 15:00, 17:30
Saturday 14 February – Special Candlelit Evening with Guided Tastings: 21:00
Sunday 15 February: 11:15, 15:00, 17:30

As night falls, the ancient beauty of the Castle is bathed in magical, evocative shades. For the Valentine’s Day weekend, Castello di Contignaco will open its doors in a special way, welcoming guests into the shadows and silence of its historic walls for a unique and extraordinary night tour.

The traditional evening event “The Magic and Enigmas of the Night” is presented in a renewed and enriched format, with new puzzles and new routes specially designed to celebrate Valentine’s Day.

Couples will be welcomed with a romantic glass of white Contignaci Turris, a Pinot wine produced using ancient methods that highlight the flavours of local tradition. Non-alcoholic beverages will also be available.

The Escape Castle game is based on one of the most famous cantos of Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy, Inferno V, which tells the tragic love story of Paolo and Francesca: “Amor, ch’a nullo amato amar perdona” (Inf. V 103). Local legends also speak of Dante passing through the Castle of Contignaco, once belonging to his family branch, the Aldighieri of Parma, giving the visit an especially fascinating historical aura.

What to Expect:

• A captivating guided tour: Guests will explore the intriguing atmosphere of the Castle’s interior and exterior spaces, guided through its millennial history from the Pallavicino family to today.
• Dantean mysteries: For over two centuries, the Castle belonged to the Aldighieri of Parma, Dante’s family; legend says the poet stayed at the Castle during his exile, and his mysterious connections will be highlighted during the tour.
• Candlelight: Select rooms of the Castle will be illuminated by candlelight, enhancing the magical atmosphere.
• Photography exhibition: Guests can admire the beautiful photographs of Incanto Emiliano by Anna Lisa Inzaina.
• Escape Castle game: A puzzle game based on medieval cryptography, suitable for both adults and children.
• Medieval ciphers: Guests will experiment with authentic 14th-century encryption symbols, discovering how messages were encoded in the Middle Ages.
• Dantean riddles: Various puzzles inspired by the Divine Comedy will allow visitors to engage with Dante’s verses in a playful way.
• Cryptex challenge: Participants will attempt to open a cryptex, a rotating disc safe, by solving the game’s puzzles.
• Educational and fun: The combination of tour and game allows guests to learn history, literature, and cryptography while having fun.
• Final prize: A small surprise will conclude the experience.
• Guided wine tasting: Guests can choose to end the tour with a tasting of the Castle’s wines.

Wines of Contignaco
Guests may taste up to five wines from the Castle’s cellars, all produced using ancient methods that enhance local traditions: Bianco Ignatius, Bianco Contignaci Turris, Bianco Gemma, Bianco Zelinda, Rosso del Sasso, Rosso del Rio dei Predoni, Rosso Rubeum Durantis
Since 2021, these wines are part of F.I.V.I. (Federazione Italiana dei Vignaioli Indipendenti), promoting quality and authenticity in Italian wine.

Special Candlelit Evening – Saturday 14 February at 21:00
Post-dinner, guests can enjoy the same Escape Castle experience enhanced by a series of wine tastings accompanied by local delicacies. The evening includes:

• Welcome drink: A glass of Contignaci Turris white wine (non-alcoholic options for minors and non-drinkers)
• Candlelit guided tour of the Castle’s interior rooms
• Brief presentation of medieval cryptography techniques
• Escape Castle game with medieval ciphers, Dantean secrets, and cryptex
• Guided wine tasting of the Castle’s wines, paired with local products
• Optional extra food: Platters of cured meats, cheeses, and mixed salads for vegetarians

Duration:
Tour + game: ~1.5 hours
Valentine’s evening: ~2.5 hours

Guests are advised to bring umbrellas and suitable shoes in case of rain, as part of the final game takes place outdoors.

Information and Booking (mandatory)
Tel: +39 320 6126425
E-mail: info@castellodicontignaco.it
Website: www.castellodicontignaco.it/eventi