Built on the initiative of the city of Piacenza in 1342, the Rocca Viscontea was reinforced and completed by Luchino Visconti in 1347. It is an imposing brick building, purely defensive in nature, strategically positioned above the surrounding valley. In addition, the tall tower rising above the village square served the dual function of defending against external enemies and controlling the inhabitants. The fortress, located on the site of a former Roman military settlement (called Castrum Quadratum), has an unusual shape.

The structure is surrounded by a double row of walls: the lower one, which is also wider, covers two levels, where soldiers usually resided and where, in case of danger, citizens could take refuge; the higher wall, perpendicular to the other, was reserved for the garrison command.

The high tower, an excellent observation point, was built for defensive and military purposes and never became a noble residence. In the 19th and 20th centuries, until the 1960s, the fortress was used as a prison. In 1985, many scenes from the film ‘Ladyhawke’ starring Michelle Pfeiffer, Rutger Hauer and Matthew Broderick were shot in Castell’Arquato. Inside, it houses the ‘Museum of Medieval Life’, which displays siege techniques, the history of the town and fortification techniques.