Silvano

Podere Palazzo Illica

Very good 9 / 10

(33 reviews)

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

National identification codeCIN: IT033012B5IIF7ZTTZ

Regional identification codeCIR: 033012-AG-00001

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Category
Bed & Breakfast

Rooms
20

Breakfast
included

Bathroom
Ensuite

Guests in this venue liked

Charming property
Swimming pool
Abundant breakfast
Spectacular view
The design of the property
Cheap

Description

Palazzo Illica is a 17th century building; with its rectangular plan, built with sandstones and bricks. During 19th century the building was meticulously restored and transformed into villa; it was owned by the Luigi Illica family, a very famous Puccini and Verdi librettist, who called this mansion with his name.

Today Palazzo Illica appears like a closed village due to its rustic outbuildings built during 19th and beginning of 20th century.

Now the property is also the head-office of a orchard, meadow, cereal farm. Its main characteristic is to grow 700 auctochtonal olive trees, which find their optimum cultivation conditions on green and gentle Valdarda hills.

Horse farming belonging to Libro Genealogico of Sella Italiano but also a barbera and bonarda vineyard for production of Gutturnio d.o.p. wine, complete the farm.

The infinite care, patience and love of the current owners maintain intact not only the extraordinary environment, composed by 5 hectares of bay oak, cherry, chestnut and hornbeam wood, but also the historical and monumental park, which surrounded Palazzo Illica.

Extended on 200mq area, the library preserves a cultural heritage composed by 10.000 books

Rooms and Rates

Conditions for pets staying in this facility:

Dogs, cats of medium-small size by prior agreement with the host

Well-behaved, not aggressive or noisy; kept on a leash; with pet passport; pets may not sleep on beds; pets may not be left alone at the facility; pets should be with owners at all times

Garden available

A daily cost of 10 € is due per pet

Features

Number of rooms with own bathroom inside the room (ensuite):

Number of rooms with own bathroom but outside the room:

Disabled Access
Pets Allowed
Historic House
Romantic Atmosphere
Parking
Swimming Pool
Garden
TV
Free Wifi
Family
Business
Hair dryer
Charm
Heating
Restaurant
Ideal for trekking
Fireplace
Near cycle paths
Bicycles available
Farm with animals

*Declared by the Innkeeper

All Features

Various information

Disabled Access
Pets allowed
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

Breakfast

The breakfast, which consists of locally sourced products, is served from 08: 00 to 10: 00 a. m.

It is possible to request an "early breakfast" or a "late breakfast".

Restaurant

The ancient double-height hall, divided by full brick and sandstone arches, has been converted into a dining room: it can be accessed through two symmetrical entrances facing the main facade, welcoming guests into a warm and pleasant environment, typical of the Emilian region, where every stone of the precious walls has centuries of history to tell. The furnishings are well-kept, sober, and elegant, all aimed at the pleasure of the table, to be enjoyed while respecting the time dedicated to convivial moments, which we want to offer our guests once again. The team manages every aspect of the dining experience with loving care for quality: the chef is the creator of the masterpieces that you can taste, always different depending on the seasons, in the unmistakable setting of Locanda Illica.

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Podere Palazzo Illica

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Website

Response rate: High

Response time: within a few hours

Conditions

Check-in from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Check-out before 10:00 AM - If you're late you may be charged for an extra night

Area hills

Podere Palazzo Illica lies in the very heart of Italian food valley; it is 30 km far from the city of Parma and Piacenza, 80 km from Milano and 150 km from Bologna and Genova.
Less than one hour’s drive you can easily reach the city of Pavia, Cremona and Mantova, which are important for their monuments and works of art, and you can also reach Soragna, Fontanellato and Colorno villages.
The property lies also less than 10 km far from two of Italian famous spas, Salsomaggiore Terme and Tabiano; it is also at a very short distance from two important ancient medieval villages: Vigoleno and Castell’Arquato.
Podere Palazzo Illica is in a strategic position: not far from airports (Milano Lainate, Bergamo Orio al Serio and Parma will be reached in less than one hour’s drive) but also not far from sea: in 1 hour and 30 minutes, by motorway called “Parma mare”, you will reach the wonderful Cinque Terre landscape and Versilia beaches.

Airports

Parma Airport 32 Km
Reggio Emilia Airport 63 Km

Train Stations

Salsomaggiore Terme Train Station 9 Km

*Distances As The Crow Flies

Google Maps | Street View

In The Surroundings

*Distances As The Crow Flies

100% genuine reviews, written by real guests!

Very good

Overall Rating 9 / 10
33 reviews

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Property

Cleaning

Host

Location

Price/Quality

Breakfast

Reviews from other sites

Google

Good

8.2 (374 reviews)

TripAdvisor

Good

8.4 (375 reviews)

What guests say

Reviews highlight the property's charm and its location surrounded by greenery, making it ideal for visiting nearby villages and castles. Rooms are frequently described as spacious, clean, and comfortable. Guests greatly appreciate the welcoming atmosphere and the owner's helpful advice about the local area. Breakfasts featuring homemade cakes and local cuisine are popular, though some would prefer a wider selection of savory options. The outdoor pool, large garden, and relaxing ambiance are noted as strengths. A few minor criticisms concern some details in the furnishings or perceived value for money in isolated cases.

Based on guest reviews. AI-generated.

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

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

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

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

roberto

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

stayed from 05/06/2014 to 05/07/2014

giorgio

Truly welcoming and with exceptional managers. An excellent little vacation.

stayed from 04/20/2014 to 04/24/2014

alda

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

stayed from 06/30/2013 to 07/07/2013