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La Rocca

In the Middle Ages the fortified hill-top village, rocca, in Italian, has been known as Rocca Aimerico, presumably in tribute to the lord who erected the fortifications. Rocca Aimerico became Rocca Campesana, since the new lords were the Campeggi family.

They were succeeded by the Sannazzaro clan, one of whose womenfolk married one Fiorello Beccaria. In recognition of this munificence, the name of the fortifications was changed to Rocca di Messer Fiorello, or Roccafirella. Then the rocca passed under the Montebello branch of the family thus joining the manor (feudo) of Montecalvo.

When the Beccaria family became extinct in 1629, their properties ' including the Rocca -- devolved to the conti Giorgi di Vistarino, who were owners of Pietra de' Giorgi. Thus the Rocca acquired the name by which it is known today. The Giorgi di Vistarino family still being the leading landowners in the village and outlying areas.