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

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Photo from Flickr, copyright Zvonimir Hrvoj

Historic Site of the week

Church of St Donatus

The Church of St Donatus name refers to Donatus of Zadar, who began construction on this church in the 9th century and ended it on the northeastern part of the Roman forum. It is the largest Pre-Romanesque building in Croatia.

The beginning of the building of the church was placed to the second half of the 8th century, and it is supposed to have been completed in the 9th century. The Zadar bishop and diplomat Donat (8th and 9th centuries) is credited with the building of the church. He led the representations of the Dalmatian cities to Constantinople and Charles the Great, which is why this church bears slight resemblance to Charlemagne's court chapels, especially the one in Aachen, and also to the Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna. It belongs to the Pre-Romanesque architectural period.

The circular church, formerly domed, is 27 m high and is characterised by simplicity and technical primitivism.

Pagazzano 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

Church of St Donatus