The Della Rovere Castle dates from 1480 to 1517 by Cardinal Domenico della Rovere and represents a rare example of Renaissance architecture in Piemonte. The magnificent cloister dated 1513/1515, with its terracotta features and the recently discovered 16th century frescoes by the school of Pinturicchio, are particularly significant. In 1776 it becomes the headquarters of the Royal Porcelain Manufactory, strongly backed by Victor Amadeus III of Sardinia.The castle is combined with a vast park featuring an artificial lake and the auspicious statue of the Sower.
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.
The Walls of Constantinople are a series of defensive stone walls that have surrounded and protected the city of Constantinople (today Istanbul) since its founding as the new capital of the Roman Empire by Constantine the Great. With numerous additions and modifications during their history, they were the last great fortification system of antiquity, and one of the most complex and elaborate systems ever built. They were also the largest and strongest fortification in both the ancient and medieval world.
Initially built by Constantine the Great, the walls surrounded the new city on all sides, protecting it against attack from both sea and land. As the city grew, the famous double line of the Theodosian Walls was built in the 5th century. Although the other sections of the walls were less elaborate, they were, when well-manned, almost impregnable for any medieval besieger.