The imposing Castle of Gabiano, one of the largest and oldest in the Monferrato area, stands in a dominant position on the Po valley. Always a place of important economic and strategic importance, the manor has been the protagonist of sieges and wars. The first historical documents regarding the castle date back to the seventh century. In 1164 Frederick I granted the feudal investiture to William II of Monferrato. The fief passed to the Montiglio family, then to Ferdinando Gonzaga and then to Ferdinando di Mantova, who ceded it to Agostino Durazzo Pallavicini in 1622 granting him the title of Marquis of Gabiano.
In 1908 he began the restoration of the castle, completed by the Marquess Matilde Durazzo Pallavicini, becoming subsequently the seat of an important cultural and oenological activity under the impetus of the Marquess Carlotta Cattaneo Adorno.
Today the work is continued by the current owners, who after a careful restructuring respectful of history and the environment continue the work of high quality wine production with passion and determination. The Castle opens its rooms for lovers of stays devoted to charm and elegance: recently restored, furnished and enriched with modern comforts, the suites have a living room with fireplace, kitchenette and rooms with four-poster beds, with magnificent views on the castle and on the landscape. Outside, among Italian gardens and walls with ancient history, a swimming pool to relax and an ancient park where you can get lost in the romantic paths.
In the heart of the park there is also a labyrinth, historical monument, among the very few documented historical Piedmontese gardens, designed in the '1930s by architect Lamberto Cusani.The strong oenological tradition of the territory finds one of its main protagonists in the Castello winery. The wine matures in the cellars dating back to 1200, where one of the oldest Italian DOC stands out: the Gabiano Riserva 'A Matilde Giustiniani', obtained from the bunches of a vineyard that the Princess herself had started.
At the Emporio del Castello you can buy the selections and reserves of the wines produced here, while a few steps away the tasting room is the perfect location for thematic tasting itineraries.
References:Towering 52 meters above the sea, Bengtskär lighthouse is the tallest one in Scandinavia. The building started in in 1905 after the shipwreck of S/S Helsingfors and was completed in 1906. The lighthouse was designed by architect Florentin Granholm. On December a special petrol lantern, designed and built in Paris, was brought to Bengtskär and installed atop the tower.
German fleet bombarded Bengstkär in the First World War in 1914. Since the Gulf of Finland was heavily mined, it was not until 1919 that the surrounding seas were declared safe for shipping, that the light was lit again.
After the war the military value of Bengtskär increased as part of the defence system of independent Finland. In Second World War (1941) Soviet Union made a suprise attack to island. After a bloody battle, the small Finnish garrison emerged victorious. Intermittent repairs to the facility continued during the post-war period.