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La Castiglia was the fortified residence of the Marquises of Saluzzo, who ruled the region from 1175 to 1548. Strategically located between France and the Duchy of Savoy, it played a key role in the struggle for control over Piedmont. Built between 1271 and 1286 by Marquis Tommaso I, the fortress replaced an older castle and was expanded over time to include towers, ramparts, and a moat.
In the 15th century, it was transformed into a noble residence under Marquis Tommaso III. Later, Ludovico II added the large circular tower in honor of his French wife, Margaret of Foix. After the fall of the Saluzzo dynasty in 1548, the castle was used by the French, then the Savoyards, serving various roles including military base, residence, hospital, and eventually a prison until 1992.
Restoration began in the 2000s, and today La Castiglia houses museums and cultural spaces. Highlights include the Museum of Chivalric Civilization, exploring the history of the marquisate, and the Prison Memory Museum, located in the old prison cells. A contemporary art collection (IGAV) is also on display.
The ancient Argos Theater was built in 320 BC. and is located in Argos, Greece against Larissa Hill. Nearby from this site is Agora, Roman Odeon, and the Baths of Argos. The theater is one of the largest architectural developments in Greece and was renovated in ca 120 AD.
The Hellenistic theater at Argos is cut into the hillside of the Larisa, with 90 steps up a steep incline, forming a narrow rectilinear cavea. Among the largest theaters in Greece, it held about 20,000 spectators and is divided by two landings into three horizontal sections. Staircases further divide the cavea into four cunei, corresponding to the tribes of Argos A high wall was erected to prevent unauthorized access into the theatron and may have helped the acoustics, but it is said the sound quality is still very good today.
Around 120 CE, both theaters were renovated in the Roman style.