Montalto Dora Castle, Montalto Dora, Italy

Montalto Dora Castle was built in the first half of the 12th century on top of Monte Crovero reflecting in the waters of Lake Pistono, being first mentioned under the name of castrum monsalti in a document dating from 1140.

During the 14th and 15th century, the castle was modified and enlarged to better serve from a defensive viewpoint.

In the 19th century, the castle was renovated under the direction of architects Carlo Nigra and Alfredo d'Andrade, who also used it as a model and source of inspiration when designing the Borgo Medioevale in Turin.

In 1963 the Castle became property of the Allioni of Brondello family. From 1965 to 1985 they proceeded to restore the buildings inside the walls, and to enhance the park.In the last years, the current owners have gone on completing a functional restoration of internal and external spaces, along with several enhancing works for the whole park and its vegetation.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

Teresa M. Curry (10 months ago)
Wow

R Dracsanu (2 years ago)
Nice. I didn't find a trail that would take me directly to the castle. Excellent panorama

Goran “Ciggy Smalls” Ciganovic (2 years ago)
Wicked cool

Enrico Ripamonti (2 years ago)
Those who travel along the Francigena in the direction of Aosta meet it before descending to Montalto: the castle seems to demand all the attention of the traveler. Traveling along the Pistono lake ring, it can be seen more closely and it is clear that it has benefited from extensive restoration work. On the other hand, its life was long (perhaps it was born in 1000 as a watchtower) and troubled, just think of the devastation it suffered in the 1600s from the French. Thanks to the owners, however, it has returned majestic and spectacular (it also inspired Giacosa) with the square keep, the mighty round tower, the three corner belfredi and the crenellated walls. Unfortunately it seems to be visited only occasionally.

Marco Brioschi (3 years ago)
The castle would be 10 stars. Very well kept. Too bad it is closed and there are no timetables, to be able to visit it. Very beautiful panorama in the distance the mountains, lakes and various villages. Suggestive!

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Photo from Flickr, copyright diocrio

Historic Site of the week

Sé Catedral (Cathedral of Lisbon)

The Cathedral of Saint Mary Major, often called Lisbon Cathedral or simply the Sé, is a Roman Catholic cathedral located in Lisbon, Portugal. The oldest church in the city, it is the seat of the Patriarchate of Lisbon. The cathedral has survived many earthquakes and has been modified, renovated and restored several times. It is nowadays a mix of different architectural styles.

The site where it stands was the principal mosque of Lisbon when it was an Arab settlement. The construction of the cathedral started around 1150, three years after the city was conquered from the Moors during the Second Crusade. Shortly after the victory the English knight Gilbert of Hastings was named bishop of the city of Lisbon.

One good reason to visit the Cathedral is to visit its charming cloisters located in the back. There are several tombs in the cathedral, the most notable of which is the beautifully sculpted tomb of Lopo Fernandes Pacheco and his wife.

Montalto Dora Castle

Address

Details

More Information

Rating

Interesting Sites Nearby

User Reviews

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Finest Norman castles in Italy

Exploring the History of Northern Poland

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Historic Site of the week

Sé Catedral (Cathedral of Lisbon)