Lomellina on the road: 7 castles, 7 stories to discover

A trip around Lomellina to discover the ancient castles.

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Lomellina on the road: 7 castles, 7 stories to discover - Image: 1
Itinerary description

Over the course of centuries, Lomellina has been a passage for populations and cultures that have shaped the unique cultural identity of a small territory between the Ticino, Po and Sesia rivers.

Those who visit Lomellina are rarely aware that castles are one of its defining features. Thanks to the morphology of the territory and the readily available building materials (the clay used to produce bricks is abundant in this area of the Padan Plain), a great number of castles started to appear in ancient times. Initially built as mere defensive structures, these buildings later gained a higher importance - especially starting with the Visconti family - and in time they became noble residences. In some cases, the castles are private property to this day.

The suggested itinerary crosses the heart of Lomellina from the north to the south, offering the viewer the possibility to reach some of the castles that better represent the historical wealth of our territory.
 

The association Vigevano Promotions organizes half-day or full day customized itineraries to guide the groups of visitors in the discovery of the stories and legends inside of them.
For information about the guided tours:
tel: +39 351 8782734
e-mail: info@vigevanopromotions.it

Complete itinerary map
Choose a point of the itinerary to start from
Villanova castle - Cassolnovo
Villanova castle - Cassolnovo
The castle located in the hamlet of Villanova, dating back to the 14th century, was the country residence of the Sforza dukes, who experimented there for the first time with the cultivation of rice in Lomellina.
Visconti Sforza Castle - Vigevano
Visconti Sforza Castle - Vigevano
Built starting from the XIV century, the Visconti Sforza Castle overlooks the splendid Ducal Square, along with the Torre del Bramante
Beccaria Litta Castle - Gambolò
Beccaria Litta Castle - Gambolò
Built around the X century, the Castle of Gambolò was rearranged many times, before finally becoming a countryside villa at the request of Marquis Agostino Litta
Isimbardi castle - Agogna Castle
Isimbardi castle - Agogna Castle
The castle, built in the Middle Ages, became the heritage of Emperor Federico I known as Barbarossa in 1164. Today it is managed by the Vera Coghi Foundation.
Cozzo Castle - Gallarati Scotti Castle
Cozzo Castle - Gallarati Scotti Castle
The castle, initially owned by the Confalonieri, was sold to the Caccia novaresi and, in 1465, to the Gallarati, still owners today. The castle of the Celpenchio district dates back to the fourteenth century. Private property.
Valeggio Castle
Valeggio Castle
In the early Middle Ages the town was known for its fortress, a tower which bears the inscription "Ambrosius Majnoni fecit opus an. 703". Private property. Part of the farm buildings have been refurbished for public events.
Pieve del Cairo Castle
Pieve del Cairo Castle
The first mentions of the castle appeared in the 12th century: it would be owned by the Beccaria and the Guasco family from Alessandria. Private property.