The magical village of Grazzano Visconti for Harry Potter fans
Grazzano Visconti is a village that recreates the atmosphere of Harry Potter in Italy, with magical shops and settings.
In Italy, Harry Potter fans can find many themed places. There are shops and pubs like Albus Store in Verona, Emporio Stregato in Grazzano Visconti (Piacenza), Binario Magic Pub in Mapello (Bergamo), and LumosPub in Ercolano, near Naples. Plus, there are other spots and events around Matera, Pescara, Benevento, Catania, and nearby areas. I've learned a lot: you do anything to please your kids.
Many of these places offer official and handmade merchandise, Butterbeer, sweets inspired by the magical world, and atmospheric settings like the famous Platform 9 ¾ or rooms resembling Hogwarts' Common Room.
There are also themed accommodations, like Harry Potter-inspired B&Bs, and many temporary events. These include magic lessons, duels, and workshops for kids and adults, often held in castles, historic villas, or parks. Notable locations for these events include Cassano d'Adda, Baone, and some spots on Lake Maggiore, which turn into enchanted worlds for a few days.
Speaking of personal experiences, I chose some of these places for my kids because they love Harry Potter. After taking them to London, where they saw Harry Potter and practiced English (😄), I took them to Grazzano Visconti for a weekend. Of course, they only stopped to see the Emporio Stregato among all the sights.
I have to say, the store is really nice. It's worth visiting, even just out of curiosity. The prices aren't low, but they're more affordable than in London. You'll find lots of Harry Potter-themed gadgets and accessories, from official Wizarding World wands to sweets and decorative items.
The atmosphere is striking. The store is charming, detailed, and set in the medieval village of Grazzano Visconti, which is a gem on its own. Inside, you really feel a "magical" vibe, with decorations and constant nods to the saga. The staff is friendly and helpful, without the pressure to buy that can sometimes ruin the experience.
My kids spent a lot of time there, while my wife and I enjoyed exploring the village. We especially loved the Wax Museum in Piacenza, located right in the beautiful medieval village. The museum offers a fun and curious visit, letting you learn about the area's history and culture in an engaging way. Walking among the statues, created with top Italian artists in special effects and famous costume designers like Atélier Nicolao--known for films like Marco Polo, The Merchant of Venice, and Farinelli--you meet characters linked to Piacenza's world.
On a weekend with a modest budget, I managed to please both the kids and my curiosity about places in Italy we often overlook. Since reading Alessandro Barbero, anything medieval fascinates me.
