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Search for the town, the city, the area where you want to go and consult the contents of VisitItaly

Piedmont castles, palaces and mansions

The Piedmont region is rich in castles, towers, and historic houses, a strong testimony of medieval architecture. A dense network of manors spreads over the whole territory, in the plains, on the gentle hill slopes and perched on rocky mountains, surrounded by vineyards, beech and chestnut woods. Built in strategic positions, they dominate the surrounding valleys, often with mighty crenellated walls and lively interior decorations made on frescoed walls to recall the opulence of the local noble families. Many can be visited, still others used as private homes, and still others only ruins bearing witness to a glorious past. Discover with Visititaly, the fortresses, the villas, the forts, the historic buildings, the noble residences and all the places linked to culture that characterize the Piedmont region. If you have visited a castle and would like to share your experience with others, please report it here!

Alexandria - Castles, palaces and mansions

Cittadella

The Citadel is located in Alexandria, and is among the most important monuments in Europe. It is the only European fortress still inserted in its original environmental context. Today it is a national monument and is among the most visited by tourists. One of the most important military constructions in the world,in order to build it the neighborhood Borgoglio was demolished.Strongly desired by the Savoy,of considerable historical importance.Fascinating eighteenth and nineteenth century buildings.

Rivoli - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Rivoli

The Castello di Rivoli dates back to the eleventh century and represents a fortified structure along the Valsusino route of the Via Francigena. It was built at the behest of the bishops of Turin and almost immediately passed to the Savoy who made it become a jewel of the Crown of Delights complex. The structure of the royal residence and the terraced garden were the work of the Urbinate Francesco Paciotto. The decorations of the rooms that exalted the members of the dynasty were made by painters such as Morazzone and Isidoro Bianchi.

Moncalieri - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Moncalieri

The Castle of Moncalieri dates back to 1100. It was built at the behest of Thomas I of Savoy with the function of controlling the south entrance of Turin. During the fifteenth century the structure was enlarged and became a ducal home. The Castle was the favorite residence of Vittorio Amedeo III and his son Vittorio Emanuele I who made numerous restorations. The Castle is surrounded by an English garden that extends for ten hectares.

Morsasco - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello Pallavicino o di Morsasco

The Pallavicino Castle or Morsasco was built in the highest part of the resort, from where it dominates the rest of the country and the houses. It was already present since the 13th century. Initially it had military and defensive purposes, and then it was converted into a stately home where parties and dances were held. The “Pallacorda Game Room” must be mentioned for its beauty. The castle takes its name from one of the ancient proprietary families, the Pallavicino.

Acqui Terme - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello Paleologi

The construction of the castle dates back to 452 AD. In 1430 the city of Acqui Terme and the castle were purchased by the Sforza. The castle was rebuilt by the Marquises of Monferrato as a military fortress. Today the castle is used as the seat of the Civic Archaeological Museum, already since 2001. The rooms of the castle are dedicated to Prehistory, Protohistory and the Roman section. The main room also holds memories of the city's spa treatments today. In addition, there is also a room dedicated to the late ancient and medieval periods.

Turin - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo dell'Accademia delle Scienze

The Palazzo dell'Accademia delle Scienze in Turin is home to the homonymous Academy and was built at the behest of Maria Giovanna Baptist of Savoia Nemours in 1679. The most important room is that of the World Map where the College originally was based. The name comes from the two precious globes of the Venetian Vincenzo Maria Coronelli that are preserved inside it. Another important room is that of Reading where the walls are covered with bookstores that contain collections of ancient books.

Turin - Castles, palaces and mansions

Villa Sartirana o Tesoriera

Villa Sartirana or also known as Treasurer dates back to the eighteenth century and is located inside the Park of the Treasure of Turin. It is very rich in stuccoes and frescoes that embellish its facade and the entire interior. Over the years it has been modified, transformed and expanded. Today we can admire it in excellent condition since the renovations took place between 2009 and 2012. It is currently used as the headquarters of the “Andrea Della Corte” civic music library.

Turin - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Graneri della Roccia

The Palazzo Graneri della Roccia was built between 1681 and 1699, at the behest of Marc'Antonio Graneri. It is among the buildings that best represents the typical architecture of Turin. In fact, it has a magnificent atrium, a large garden, a large staircase with a square base that is supported by imposing pillars. The structure had various functions, in fact since 1858 it was the seat of the Circle of Artists, and in 2006 that of the Circle of Readers.

Ceva - Castles, palaces and mansions

Forte di Ceva

Historical reports from the Fort of Ceva dating back to 1557, found in an act where beds and utensils were required for the soldiers who manned it. The entrance to the fort was through the north door at the entrance of which there was the headquarters of the guard body. The Watchtower stood not far from the side of the road, where outside it was the reproduction of the effigy of the Sorrows. The fort was also a refuge for nobles such as Queen Anna of Orléans, when Turin was besieged by the French in 1706.

Turin - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Lascaris di Ventimiglia

The Lascaris Palace in Ventimiglia was built between 1663 and 1665. The structure was inherited to Camillo Benso Count of Cavour in the nineteenth century. Unfortunately, during World War II, he was struck by the bombings and part was destroyed. After the war, it was the seat of the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Crafts and Agriculture. Since 1975 it has become the property of the region, and now it is the seat of the Regional Council.

Sommariva Bosco - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Sommariva o Seyssel d'Aix

The Castle of Sommariva is also known as Seyssel d'Aix. This beautiful and imposing building dates, for one part, to the beginning of the year 1000, and for the other part, around the thirteenth century. In fact, the towers are more recent, compared to the rest, which is already built from 1098. The structure is considered one of the oldest buildings in the Roero area. It has been refurbished several times, and this is clearly visible.

Vinovo - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello della Rovere

The Della Rovere Castle dates from 1480 to 1517, it was designed by the architect Baccio Pontelli. Initially, it was erected for defence functions. In 1839 the castle was purchased by the brothers Giacomo and Luigi Rey, who restored it and enriched it with frescoes made by Rodolfo Morgari. Towards the end of 1973, the building was purchased by the Municipality of Vinovo. Currently, it houses the Municipal Library and St. John International University.

Vogogna - Castles, palaces and mansions

Rocca di Vogogna ruderi

The Rocca di Vogogna rises on a rocky spur, from which the whole country dominates from above. It is assumed to have been built around the 5th century, in Roman times. Unfortunately, in the 16th century it was destroyed and today only ruins can be seen. Despite this, it is possible to observe how impressive it was as a construction and understand that it was built with the purpose of defending and protecting against any enemy attacks.

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