Built in the 13th century on the shores of the river Lambro, it lost its military importance due to changing alliances and was converted into a noble residence in 1383 on the orders of Regina della Scala, wife of Bernabò Visconti, who had the main tower erected and mullioned windows installed along the walls.
After changing hands many times it was acquired by the Bolognini family who, in 1933, entrusted it to the Morando Bolognini Foundation, which administers the property to this day.
The castle is home to three museums: the Morando Bolognini historic house museum (24 rooms) showcasing furniture, paintings and china from the 18th century to the 20th century; museum dedicated to the history of agriculture – from the Neolithic era to the present day – and the museum of bread.
References:The Château du Lude is one of the many great châteaux of the Loire Valley in France. Le Lude is the most northerly château of the Loire Valley and one of the last important historic castles in France, still inhabited by the same family for the last 260 years. The château is testimony to four centuries of French architecture, as a stronghold transformed into an elegant house during the Renaissance and the 18th century. The monument is located in the valley of Le Loir. Its gardens have evolved throughout the centuries.