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.
Rosenborg Palace was built in the period 1606-34 as Christian IV’s summerhouse just outside the ramparts of Copenhagen. Christian IV was very fond of the palace and often stayed at the castle when he resided in Copenhagen, and it was here that he died in 1648. After his death, the palace passed to his son King Frederik III, who together with his queen, Sophie Amalie, carried out several types of modernisation.
The last king who used the place as a residence was Frederik IV, and around 1720, Rosenborg was abandoned in favor of Frederiksborg Palace.Through the 1700s, considerable art treasures were collected at Rosenborg Castle, among other things items from the estates of deceased royalty and from Christiansborg after the fire there in 1794.
Soon the idea of a museum arose, and that was realised in 1833, which is The Royal Danish Collection’s official year of establishment.