Ivrea Castle was built on behalf of Amadeus VI, Count of Savoy, in 1358. Ivrea was built to signify the dominance of the House of Savoy over the region. The castle has four towers erected on a plan flank. It is located next to a cathedral and a bishop's palace. The castle is mentioned in the work of Giosuè Carducci.
The most significant changes were recorded at the end of the 18th century, when the castle was transformed into a prison, first destined to State prisoners and then also to common prisoners. With the prison function, which it maintained untile the first half of the 20th century, the structure was subject to a series of additions and adaptations that naturally divided the courtyard into two parts and defined the external spaces, closed by high perimeter walls.
The first studies of the structure, including the historical origins, date back to the endo of the 19th century, important documental sources for this were contributed by Giuseppe Giacosa and Alfredo d’Andrade.
In 1979, almost ten years after dismission, the restorations were completed that demolished the structures from the 19th and 20th century and rediscovered the antique structures in the courtyard and moat areas.
References:Saint-Émilion is a picturesque medieval village renowned for its well-preserved architecture and vineyards. The town and surrounding vineyards was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, owing to its long, living history of wine-making, Romanesque churches and ruins stretching all along steep and narrow streets.
An oppidum was built on the hill overlooking the present-day city in Gaulish times, before the regions was annexed by Augustus in 27 BC. The Romans planted vineyards in what was to become Saint-Émilion as early as the 2nd century. In the 4th century, the Latin poet Ausonius lauded the fruit of the bountiful vine.
Because the region was located on the route of the Camino de Santiago, many monasteries and churches were built during the Middle Ages, and in 1199, while under Plantagenet rule, the town was granted full rights.