Close your eyes and imagine leaving behind the traffic on the ring road, the noise of the trams, and the hustle and bustle of city workers. Imagine driving for just over sixty minutes and finding yourself catapulted into an era of dragons (at least symbolic ones), knights, and court intrigues.
No, you haven’t taken a flight to Dubrovnik and you’re not on the set of an HBO series. You are in Soncino, in the province of Cremona, a medieval jewel nestled in the plains that seems to have been protected by a time bubble.
If you are looking for that “sense of wonder” that only the most authentic history can give, this is the place you need to mark in your diary right away for a nice trip out of town.
Tommaso Di Girolamo / AGF / Photononstop via AFP
The Rocca Sforzesca: a military colossus that defies time
As soon as you see its towers appear on the horizon, you understand why many compare it to the scenery of Game of Thrones. The Rocca Sforzesca in Soncino is, without mincing words, one of the best-preserved examples of military architecture in all of Lombardy (and perhaps Italy).
Built in 1473 at the behest of Duke Sforza, this fortress is not only beautiful to look at: it is a labyrinth of emotions.
Walking across the drawbridges and descending into the underground passages, you can almost smell the gunpowder and hear the clanging of armor.
One of the towers, the Torre del Capitano, still houses the original kitchen and bedroom: a glimpse into the daily life of those who, centuries ago, defended this outpost against the expansionism of Venice. From the crenellated ramparts, the view of the surrounding countryside will make you feel like a true guardian of the night, but with a much sweeter view.
An Oscar-worthy set: where Ladyhawke became legend
If you have a romantic soul and are a millennial, you will immediately recognize these views. It was here, within the walls of Soncino, that some of the most iconic scenes from Ladyhawke, the cult film starring Michelle Pfeiffer and Rutger Hauer, were shot in 1985.
In 2025, the film will celebrate its 40th anniversary, and the village has decided to celebrate in style.
Visiting the Rocca today also means immersing yourself in photographic exhibitions and memories of those who, at the time, participated as extras in that Hollywood miracle. It is a place where cinema and reality merge, creating a magical atmosphere that you will hardly find anywhere else.
Not just castles: the secrets of printing and silk
But Soncino is not “just” its fortress. I recommend getting lost in its narrow streets to discover some world-class gems. Did you know that the first complete edition of the Hebrew Bible was printed here in 1488? The Casa degli Stampatori (House of Printers) is a must-see: you can admire original presses from the late 19th century and even try your hand at printing a page as it was done in the past.
Right next to the fortress stands an imposing yellow building: the Filanda Meroni, now the Silk Museum. Entering here means understanding how a small silkworm built the wealth of entire generations. It is an example of industrial archaeology that will leave you speechless with its attention to detail and the passion of the volunteers who run it.
Underground passages and mysteries within the Venetian walls
If you love mystery, you should know that Soncino hides a dense network of underground passages. The Venetian walls surrounding the village are not only a physical boundary but also a panoramic and introspective journey.
Don’t forget to visit the churches: the Pieve di Santa Maria Assunta will amaze you with its cobalt blue frescoes that look like an indoor starry sky, while the Church of San Giacomo boasts a heptagonal tower (seven sides!) that is an architectural rarity throughout Europe.
2026 events in Soncino: mark these dates on your calendar
Soncino is a lively village that knows how to transform itself. If you want to enjoy the ultimate experience, here’s what’s in store for you this year:
- February 14, 2026 – Intrighi d’Amore (Intrigues of Love): a theatrical night tour of the Rocca for Valentine’s Day. You can write love letters with a quill pen and seal them with wax.
- April 25, 2026 – Soncino Fantasy: the village is literally invaded by ogres, elves, and knights. It’s the perfect event for those who love cosplay and medieval fantasy.
- First weekend of October – Medieval Reenactment: knight tournaments and historical camps to take you back to the 13th century.
- October 31, 2026 – Halloween in Rocca: for the little ones (and the brave), the scariest night of the year within the castle walls.
How to get to Soncino from Milan
- By car: take the BreBeMi (A35) motorway, exiting at Romano di Lombardia, or the A4 motorway, exiting at Brescia Ovest. You will reach your destination in about 50-60 minutes. The car park near the Rocca is large and free of charge.
- By public transport: you can take the train to Romano di Lombardia and from there continue by bus, which connects the station to the village.