There’s something about a medieval castle that always intrigues and delights me. I want to know who lived there, what they ate and wore, how they spent their days.

When the castle is a 14th century Italian one, the discovery is even better.

Visconti Castle

I discovered such a castle in the medieval burgh of Vogogna in Italy’s Piedmont region

A beautiful stone edifice built into the side of a mountain, the Visconti Castle is only a short five minute walk from the lovely old stone villa I stayed in with my friends Margo, Katy, Kate and Kathy.

Visconti Castle was commissioned by Giovanni Visconti in 1348, and designed as a fortress intended to protect the entire valley but especially Vogogna.

Visconti Castle gate

The main castle has three floors with fireplaces in each room and boasts stunning views of towering mountain peaks and staggered stair-steps of slate and red-tiled roofs.

I loved standing near the castle walls, feeling the warmth of the old stones baking in the sun, looking out over landscapes that have seen more history than I can even imagine.

On a cliff above the Visconti Castle are the haunting ruins of the Rocca, an ancient fortress that I will show you one day soon.

view from Castle Visconti

From our stone courtyard we could look up and see the semi-circular tower of the castle which has five floors and was used as a prison until 1914.

The smaller cells are still intact and if you look closely, you can see etchings made by the prisoners incarcerated there.

view of Castle Visconti

Nowadays Visconti Castle is a peaceful place, its sun-warmed walls and steps a favorite haunt for local cats, its rooms used for local gatherings, art exhibitions, and evening concerts during the summer.

views from Castle Visconti

What castle would you most like to see?

Contact Information for Castle Visconti and Vogogna
Comune di Vogogna
phone: +39 0324 87042
email: municipio@comune.vogogna.vb.it
website: www.comune.vogogna.vb.it