One reaches the dungeons of the Rocca di Vignola by descending the staircase that is in the courtyard and entering a wide, barrel-vaulted corridor, which certainly preexisted the extensions desired by the Contrari, as evidenced by the presence of a window, now blind, that certainly took light from the courtyard. On the right side of the corridor is the Hall of the Fat Men and at the back is the Hall of the Contrarians.

Particularly striking is the Sala dei Contrari, once a pantry but also a safe air raid shelter during the last world war, is majestic in its harmonious and severe structure enhanced by the alternation of river stone and red brick. The L-shaped hall is also particularly original for its barrel ceiling, which at the intersection of the two arms forms a wide and mighty cross.

The renovation of the Rocca’s basement allowed the recovery of a large area now used as a cultural space. It was in fact possible, after overcoming the many technical difficulties due to the particular conformation of the land, characterized by the presence of “sfarsein” (small natural springs), to transform the ancient basements, where the foodstuffs needed to provide for the needs of the entire court were stored, into two splendid halls. Their names, the Contrari and the Grassoni, were chosen to commemorate the two families who contributed most to the transformation of the fortress from a fortress to a noble residence.

The Contrari and Grassoni Rooms are open to the public only for cultural events, concerts and conferences.
Upon request, they can be granted either free or paid use.

Continue to the ground floor