Pagazzano Castle, Pagazzano, Italy

The Castello Visconteo di Pagazzano is a moated, late-medieval castle which originates from the 11th century. It was burned down and 200 inhabitants were killed in a battle in 1353. The castle and the territory of Gera d’Adda, including Pagazzano, was inherited in 1354 by Bernabò Visconti. The territory was disputed over the centuries by surrounding ruling forces, and various Visconti descendants. In the 19th century, the castle was owned by the Crivelli family until 1968 when it was bought by a private initiative, and sold to the Comune di Pagazzano in the year 2000.

The structure has been built with bricks and is rectangular in shape. The southern part has lost the towers at the south-east and south-west corners. In 1553 Galeazzo Visconti ordered the integration of the mansion into the castle. The drawbridge still exists and is used as pedestrian passage, the castle is also surrounded by a moat full of water. The drawbridge is on the northern side and is about 4 metres long, it still works today. The main entrance is also here, situated in the majestic central tower. The defensive use of this central tower depended on a system of battlements. Along the walls there is a look out tower where a bell rang, so the people could take refuge inside the walls in case of danger. The oldest part includes huge rooms and the dungeons.

User Reviews

Enrico Teotti (3 years ago)
Joined one of their guided tours and it was well worth it. The guides are local folks, volunteers, some were cosplaying in medieval armour and dresses which was cool. Me and my gf were engaged during the visit, we’ve heard specific details only a local would know. It looked like everybody else in our group enjoyed it. Our castle visits was scheduled to take 1 hour but it lasted 2. I am so glad it went long, it would have felt rushed in 1hour. Our guide (Fiorenzo) did an outstanding job at making it a memorable visit. Call their number to check when they’re open. Feedback for venue: I think you should extend the castle tour to at least 1h30m or even 2h. Maybe have two options: quick visit 1h and extended 2h visit. Perhaps gather quick feedback from participants at the end of the tours. We loved Fiorenzo’s knowledge and passion.

Josemanuel Rodriguez (4 years ago)
Bellisimo

Sara Camozzi (6 years ago)
Nice place...

Lorella Invernizzi (6 years ago)
Bellisimo

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Sigmaringen Castle was first mentioned in the year 1077 in the chronicles of Petershausen monastery. The oldest parts of the castle are concealed beneath the alterations made during the 17th and the 19th centuries. The secret of the earliest settlement built on this defendable rock will never be fully revealed: large-scale excavation work would be necessary, which the extensive land development renders impossible. Judging from the many Roman remains unearthed in the area around Sigmaringen, the 12th century keep known as the 'Roman Tower' could be traced back to a Roman predecessor.

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These remains give us a good idea of how the castle might have looked during the 12th century.

Pagazzano Castle

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