You know the famous saying “going to Canossa”? The phrase refers to the Emperor Henry IV who went to the famous castle to ask for forgiveness from Pope Gregory VII and Countess Matilde. Over the years, the historic quotation has become commonly used in many European languages to indicate a humiliation, an admission of guilt, a submission.
Well, from the end of February onwards, the phrase runs the risk of turning into a mere memory because, in the contemporary world, it will no longer be possible to visit the famous castle located on the hills of Reggio Emilia. The reason is obvious: lack of funds and abandonment, two characteristics that will probably determine its closure.
Due to the elimination of the Provinces and the managerial vacuum created as a result, the collaboration with the "Archeosistemi" cooperative will be interrupted, which until now had all the roles necessary to keep the monument open, guaranteeing its use by tourists.
The only thing that could save the situation, at this point, would be an intervention by the institutions and the detail of the Ministry of Culture. Otherwise, to book a visit, you will need to contact the guardian, the only "employee of the castle".
To make an already tragic situation even worse they also include the many landslides and erosion who year after year are carrying away the young sandstone on which the surviving ramparts stand, without anyone doing anything to avoid it.
The mayor of the town next week will go to the managers of the Bolognese museum complex to ask for help, but very little can be done without an intervention from the ministry.
In short, one of the most evocative places in the country could soon become impregnable again. Just like in the Middle Ages, only for different reasons.
