Podere Palazzo Illica

Bed & Breakfast

Very good 9 / 10

(34 reviews)

map

Via del Canale, 5 - San Lorenzo, Castell'Arquato (PC) - Area: hills

+39

Código de identificación nacional: IT033012B5IIF7ZTTZ

Código de identificación regional: 033012-AG-00001

Podere Palazzo Illica stands majestically in the heart of Valdardesi, in Castell'Arquato, representing a historical testimony of great charm. This ancient palace, dating back to the 17th century and converted into a villa in the 19th century, boasts impeccable architectural structures and interiors enriched with period furnishings, such as those preserved by the family of Luigi Illica, the famous librettist of Puccini and Verdi, to whom the residence owes its name.

Nestled in a picturesque landscape, the complex is embraced by the gentle hills that characterize the Arquatesi Badlands, offering an atmosphere of serenity and connection with nature. At the center of this enchanting scene are not only the elegant brick and sandstone buildings but also the spaces dedicated to agricultural activities, composed of vineyards of Barbera and Bonarda, where the prized Gutturnio D.O.P. is produced, along with the cultivation of 700 native olive trees.

The farm is marked by careful attention to the aesthetics of the landscape. Five hectares of forest, springs of chestnuts, cherry trees, and oaks frame the complex, creating a space that encourages relaxation and contemplation. Visitors can enjoy the tranquility of the historical park, while in the surrounding paddocks, jumping horses move freely, offering a perfect blend of nature and well-being.

Gastronomy plays a prominent role at Podere Palazzo Illica. Every morning, guests can enjoy breakfast prepared with fresh, local ingredients, served with warmth and care by the staff. The catering is managed with obsessive attention to the quality and seasonality of the dishes, the result of the chef’s talent, who reinvents Emilian culinary traditions in a refined setting.

The palace is just a short walk from the historical attractions of the region and a short distance from the main art cities, creating the opportunity for a stay that combines culture and relaxation. With its elegance and history, Podere Palazzo Illica is not just a place to stay but an experience immersed in the beauty and conviviality typical of Emilia.

Rooms and Rates

Disabled Access
Pets Allowed
Historic House
Romantic Atmosphere
Parking
Swimming Pool
Garden
TV
Free Wifi
Family
Business
Hair dryer
Charm
Heating
Restaurant
Ideale per trekking
Vicino a piste ciclabili
Fattoria con animali

Declared by the Innkeeper

Various information

Disabled Access
Pets allowed (tutte le taglie)
Parking
Internet access
English speaker
French speaker
German speaker
Spanish speaker

House features

Historic house
19th century house
Recently restored house
Sharing areas available for guests
Panoramic location
Insured house

Air conditioning and heating systems of the house

Certified systems
Heating systems
Room temperature controller
Double glazing or solar panels

Electric system

Certified systems
Emergency lights or fire exit directions
Automatic fire extinguishers
Photovoltaic or other forms of renewable energy

Services of the house

Swimming Pool
Garden
Terrace
Access for the disabled
Garage / parking

Facilities and services

Children games / babysitting
Bicycle, boat, horses / sports equipment
Pets allowed

Location and surroundings

Panoramic view
Spa
Archeologic area / near monuments
Near (within 10 mins) pubblic transports
Near (within 45 mins) train station / airport / port

Number of rooms

Total number of rooms: 16
Number of rooms with own bathroom inside the room (ensuite): 15
Number of rooms with own bathroom but outside the room: 1

Size of rooms

Between 14 and 20 sqm

Bathroom facilities

Bathrooms restored in the last 5 years
Hair dryer

Room facilities

Children bed
TV
Mirror or luggage case
Internet connection or telephone

Furnishing

Historic furniture
2 windows / panoramic view
Desk / table and chairs
Sofa / armchairs

Cleaning services

Every 2 other days

Services

Guides / maps / books available
Guestbook
Discounts in local shops and restaurants for the guests

Holiday themes - the place

Arts town

Holiday themes - town size

Village - under 5000 in.

Holiday themes - area features

Near monuments
Arts or archeologic area
Cultural events and arts exhibitions
Wine and food attractions area
Local crafts
Shopping area
Located in country side or nature reserves
Near sports facilities
Spa
Gardens and landscapes

Holiday themes - house features

Historic house
Charm
Garden
Family
Business
Romantic atmosphere

Guests in this venue liked:

charming property
swimming pool
abundant breakfast
spectacular view
the design of the property
cheap

Very good

9 / 10

Property

Cleaning

Host

Location

Price/Quality

Breakfast

reviews

map

Property

Cleaning

Host

Location

Price/Quality

Breakfast

Overall Rating

9

34 reviews

mauro

The owner, an extremely pleasant lady, could not do enough for me and my wife.\n\nThe room was very spacious and clean and breakfast was served with lots of homemade cakes and jams, all superb.\n\nWe also had dinner in the restaurant and the food was very much appreciated, homemade pasta served with a tomato and bean sauce "pisarei e fasò" are to die for.

stayed from 03/31/2017 to 04/02/2017

michel

The cupboards in the apartment's kitchen need some repairs like the Guignois door or those that do not open without knowing the trick to open them.

stayed from 07/14/2025 to 07/19/2025

gabriella

The owner is very rude and not kind to guests. The rooms are large and the breakfast is good.

stayed from 04/26/2026 to 04/27/2026

The answer from the host:
Buongiorno Gabriella La ringraziamo per aver dedicato il suo tempo a recensire il Podere e per le sue opinioni. Ci dispiace per eventuali criticità o malintesi che possano esserci stati tra lei e la proprietaria, che normalmente non si occupa del contatto con i clienti. Terremo in considerazione i suoi suggerimenti per migliorare. Speriamo di averla nuovamente nostra ospite. Cordialmente La Direzione

francesco

francesco rated this property but he didn't leave any comment

stayed from 05/03/2025 to 05/04/2025

rita

Location with the charm of the past. Structure surrounded by greenery but only a couple of kilometers from Castell'Arquato and in an intermediate position between Parma and Piacenza. Spacious areas furnished in a simple but functional way. Large parking inside the structure and proximity to interesting places to visit. Good sweet-salty breakfast. Impeccable cleanliness. Courtesy in welcoming. My stay was in spring but at other times a large outdoor pool is available.

stayed from 03/08/2025 to 03/10/2025

margherita

margherita rated this property but he didn't leave any comment

stayed from 01/04/2025 to 01/06/2025

The answer from the host:
Grazie mille per il suo feedback! Speriamo di averla nuovamente nostro ospite in prossime occasioni. Un caro saluto da tutto lo staff

davide

Wonderful location, very kind and attentive staff, truly excellent value for money. The pool is a real gem. We had a great time and will come back.

stayed from 08/12/2023 to 08/15/2023

The answer from the host:
Gent.mo Davide, grazie di essere stato nostro ospite e di aver dedicato tempo a inviarci il suo parere. Ci aiuta a fare sempre meglio! Lo staff

adriana

adriana rated this property but he didn't leave any comment

stayed from 05/24/2023 to 05/25/2023

The answer from the host:
Gentile Adriana, grazie per la valutazione e per essere stata nostra ospite. La vostra soddisfazione è il nostro miglior risultato. Lo staff di Podere Illica

francesca

The room is not up to the price paid.

stayed from 04/29/2023 to 04/30/2023

The answer from the host:
Gentile ospite, Siamo spiacenti nel riscontrare che la camera non sia stata di suo gradimento. Avrebbe potuto farlo presente al personale nel momento del check in. Saremmo stati lieti di assegnarle altro alloggio, qualora disponibile. Ringraziandola per aver dedicato tempo a recensire la nostra struttura, prendiamo nota del suo feedback in un'ottica di costante miglioramento dei servizi. Cordialmente

patrizia

patrizia rated this property but he didn't leave any comment

stayed from 04/29/2023 to 04/30/2023

The answer from the host:
Gentile ospite Grazie per il tempo dedicato alla recensione. Cordialmente Lo staff

fabrizio

Beautiful vacation.

stayed from 10/30/2022 to 10/31/2022

The answer from the host:
Grazie mille Fabrizio! Torni a trovarci con la sua bella famiglia. Chiara

maria

Wonderful pool and very convenient location.

stayed from 08/20/2021 to 08/21/2021

marc

marc rated this property but he didn't leave any comment

stayed from 08/16/2021 to 08/20/2021

teresa

Thank you for the lovely evening.

stayed from 07/22/2021 to 07/23/2021

daniela

Accustomed to traveling, sometimes the villages of Italy are lost sight of. The property is a marvel, it feels like going back in time. Everything has a flavor of old traditions and nostalgic family returns. The owner is a volcano of advice, historical notions, information on castles to visit, and anecdotes from her life and the territory. The sunset by the pool is enchanting and trekking is possible. We chose half board and the food was excellent, we were treated to handmade pasta and traditional Piacenza dishes. All good and seasoned with extra virgin olive oil produced by them and recipes to take home. I highly recommend it to those who want to escape as a couple or for families.

stayed from 09/30/2020 to 10/02/2020

arcangela

Beautiful seventeenth-century farmhouse, furnished with great taste inside and out in the garden. Owners and staff are exquisite and very kind, always attentive to our needs. They also provide a great service to the territory, recommending visits and excursions. Perfect for children who are even pampered and spoiled by the very kind lady owner.

stayed from 08/24/2020 to 08/29/2020

francesca

We were guests at this property for the BBDay and we had a great time! The estate immersed in nature is rich in history, which the owner illustrated to us, also showing us her library full of interesting volumes. Excellent breakfast with homemade cakes, very kind hosts, strategic place to visit the Castles of the Duchy and other wonders, what can I say, a place to definitely come back to!

stayed from 03/06/2020 to 03/08/2020

paolo

Splendid opportunity to combine well-being and relaxation in a refined environment with an ancient flavor, immersed in nature and close to the main routes for visiting castles and art cities. Friendly, professional, and caring staff, abundant and fully satisfying breakfast, comfortable and spacious room, equipped with mosquito nets and well soundproofed. Overall excellent, difficult to find significant flaws. High rating.

stayed from 03/06/2020 to 03/08/2020

cinzia

The stay at Podere Palazzo Illica has an extra touch, just like its owner, Mrs. Maria Enrica, who is truly a spectacular character that knows how to entertain guests by pointing out the true gems to visit in the surroundings and sharing her simple but delicious homemade cake recipes for breakfast. I took home 3 recipes, discovered incredible places like Veleia Romana (the Pompeii of Northern Italy) which I was unaware of, tasted the extra virgin olive oil from Napoleon's olive trees, and listened to stories, anecdotes, and tales from Mrs. Maria that I will always carry in my heart. The B&B is very convenient for visiting many nearby places of interest and the breakfast, although only sweet, is a real gem because it is artisanal and genuine, composed of the magnificent homemade cakes and jams made by the legendary Mrs. Maria. We will definitely come back! Thank you for everything! Cinzia and Andrea.

stayed from 03/06/2020 to 03/08/2020

gaetano

Beautiful place, excellent welcome and the owner is exceptional. Recommended.

stayed from 11/22/2019 to 11/24/2019

beatrice

Wonderful structure with spacious rooms and comfortable beds. Immense garden and presence of horses that enhance the stay. Only downside is the breakfast, only sweet. Missing cold cuts and cheeses as well as wholemeal bread or alternative drinks to milk. Such a spectacular structure could update the breakfast menu to become top-notch.

stayed from 10/31/2019 to 11/01/2019

cristina

Heaven must be similar. This place is enchanting. It exudes love in every detail. And history and art that Maria tells you with the enthusiasm of her life. Full of study, of beginnings, of good and just things. And with the same passion she cooks beef cheeks that are unmatched, prepares medlar compotes and zero km pies, seeks the true name of everything and everyone. You come back home richer and with the certainty of returning.

stayed from 02/23/2019 to 02/24/2019

simone

Podere Palazzo Illica is welcoming and excellently managed by Mrs. Maria, who manages to find exclusive time for her guests, as she is very helpful both within the services of her estate and in providing information and directions for trips outside the door. We found a family atmosphere and abundant, very good cuisine. The price is not high considering the place and the services. For those who love Italian culture, it is an excellent reference point. Recommended to everyone.

stayed from 08/12/2018 to 08/18/2018

giuseppe

giuseppe rated this property but he didn't leave any comment

stayed from 11/01/2017 to 11/02/2017

mila

mila rated this property but he didn't leave any comment

stayed from 10/21/2017 to 10/22/2017

vittorio

I fully agree with Sonia's excellent review who stayed from 02/09/2017 to 03/09/2017, also my wife and my son accompanied by his family stayed for only one night, but I promised to the very nice Mrs. Maria that we will come back to visit that magnificent territory where the magical Podere Palazzo Illica is located. Congratulations and see you again.

stayed from 10/07/2017 to 10/08/2017

luca

Excellent Bed and Breakfast 5 minutes from Castel'Arquato. Clean, very new rooms, very comfortable beds and stunning location. The lady who runs it is very helpful and friendly.

stayed from 09/18/2017 to 09/20/2017

sonia

I stayed only one night, unfortunately, but it was a wonderful experience: the farmhouse is a very pleasant place, with various well-kept spaces, a park with garden and animals, ideal for countryside walks and relaxing moments. Cozy and clean rooms, good food cooked by Mrs. Maria Enrica, who is the real surprise and the true treasure of Podere Palazzo Illica. A cultured, interesting lady who, upon request, opened her incredible library to us, full of books of all kinds and containing ancient and precious volumes. She gladly talks about her love for Podere Palazzo Illica, how she came to own it and how she renovated it over time, with the help of professionals and after extensive research in the archives to restore its original form (the one it had at the time of the father of the librettist of Puccini, Luigi Illica, who lived there). It's a convenient location to visit true gems like Castell'Arquato of course, but also the other medieval village with the castle of Vigoleno, the Roman ruins of Veleia Romana, the abbey of Chiaravalle, and on the way back to Mantova, we also visited the residence of Soragna. A weekend of relaxation for the body and nourishment for the mind and spirit: a lovely birthday gift for my husband. Highly recommended.

stayed from 09/02/2017 to 09/03/2017

stefania

Our stay was short, but we returned with Podere Palazzo Illica in our hearts. Spacious room (we were 3 + dog) and very clean, we used the restaurant: everything good and portions super abundant as well as breakfast, excellent cakes. We will return.

stayed from 08/12/2017 to 08/13/2017

pamela

pamela rated this property but he didn't leave any comment

stayed from 05/27/2017 to 05/28/2017

fernanda

We stayed only one night during our visit to the Castles of the Duchy, a truly beautiful place, with a very relaxing atmosphere! Surrounded by nature and animals, it is a very well-kept, cared for, and spotlessly clean place. The lady is very kind and excellent in dealing with people, truly a recommended and enjoyable stay. We couldn't try the cuisine as we didn't stay over the weekend, but the lady indicated a really nice place where we ate very well (l'Angiolina).

stayed from 09/22/2016 to 09/23/2016