Address: Str. Makrigianni 3, 54635, Thessaloniki
Excursions
Join us on a unique journey to the places that still hold the memory of the legendary Russian ballerina, Anna Pavlova
- You’ll travel back to the very days of Anna Pavlova’s Italian journey - walking in the soft echo of her steps.
- You’ll explore the magnificent Vigoleno Castle, a medieval jewel hidden in the northern Italian hills.
- You’ll walk the very same stairways that once felt the grace of the ballerina.
- You’ll discover the charm of northern Italy - its nature, its winding streets, and the quiet presence of Anna Pavlova that can still be felt.
Vigoleno is an impressive
medieval castle
in Emilia-Romagna
The Castello di Vigoleno is a majestic medieval castle complex located in the province ofPiacenza, in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. It stands on a high rocky ridge between the Ongina and Stirone river valleys. From the height, the castle towers over the surrounding hills and dominates the entire area. Vigoleno is considered one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Italy.
Inside the castle walls lies a small inner courtyard. Is iе surrounded by a dungeon, residential quarters, warehouses, outbuildings, a chapel, and a cistern used for collecting water. The main tower is square in shape and connected to the residential wing by a passage. A sundial, dating back to 1746, stands beside the main tower in the central square.
Today, Vigoleno Castle is part of the Association of Castles of Parma, Piacenza, and Pontremoli, and is a popular tourist destination.
Inside, there is a museum with a permanent exhibition dedicated to the history of the castle and the surrounding lands.
Inside the castle walls lies a small inner courtyard. Is iе surrounded by a dungeon, residential quarters, warehouses, outbuildings, a chapel, and a cistern used for collecting water. The main tower is square in shape and connected to the residential wing by a passage. A sundial, dating back to 1746, stands beside the main tower in the central square.
Today, Vigoleno Castle is part of the Association of Castles of Parma, Piacenza, and Pontremoli, and is a popular tourist destination.
Inside, there is a museum with a permanent exhibition dedicated to the history of the castle and the surrounding lands.
The Russian Theater
the Vigoleno Castle
In the 1920s, Princess Ruspoli commissioned Alexander Yakovlev to decorate a small gilded wooden theater in the style of Commedia dell’arte. The presence of the famous Russian artist in Vigoleno, a specialist in exotic and Chinese-inspired aesthetics, is closely connected with that ofthe dancer Anna Pavlova, his compatriot. Today, the theater remains preserved in its original state, a place where time seems to have stood still. Anna Pavlova visited the castle in the 1920s, during a holiday in Salsomaggiore Terme.
The ballerina was vacationing there with her friend, the Russian artist Alexander Yakovlev, whom she had known for over ten years. Anna Pavlova later recalled: “During my tour of Salsomaggiore Terme, Alexander took many photographs of me — including one where I danced Giselle.”
The ballerina was vacationing there with her friend, the Russian artist Alexander Yakovlev, whom she had known for over ten years. Anna Pavlova later recalled: “During my tour of Salsomaggiore Terme, Alexander took many photographs of me — including one where I danced Giselle.”
Fidenza
Originally a fortified settlement, Fidenza later became an important trading town along the Via Aemilia. In 41 BC, its inhabitants were granted Roman citizenship. Following the fall of the Roman Empire, the city was destroyed, and the new settlement that emerged became known as Borgo San Donnino.
Like many towns along the Po River, Fidenza rose to prominence thanks to its position on the ancient Roman road. In the Middle Ages, it became a key stop for pilgrims traveling to Rome.
Today, Fidenza attracts visitors with its stunning cathedral on Piazza Duomo - a 13th-century masterpiece blending Lombard, Gothic, and Transitional Romanesque styles. Its gracefully curved facade is thought to be the work of a master who collaborated with Benedetto Antelami on the Parma Cathedral. Inside, fragments of medieval frescoes still remain, and in the crypt lie the relics of St. Donnino, the cathedral’s patron saint.
It was here, at the cathedral, that photographer Gianni Moreschi captured Anna Pavlova during her Italian journey.
Like many towns along the Po River, Fidenza rose to prominence thanks to its position on the ancient Roman road. In the Middle Ages, it became a key stop for pilgrims traveling to Rome.
Today, Fidenza attracts visitors with its stunning cathedral on Piazza Duomo - a 13th-century masterpiece blending Lombard, Gothic, and Transitional Romanesque styles. Its gracefully curved facade is thought to be the work of a master who collaborated with Benedetto Antelami on the Parma Cathedral. Inside, fragments of medieval frescoes still remain, and in the crypt lie the relics of St. Donnino, the cathedral’s patron saint.
It was here, at the cathedral, that photographer Gianni Moreschi captured Anna Pavlova during her Italian journey.