Masino Castle (Italian: Castello di Masino) is a hill-top castle located in Caravino, Italy.

Masino Castle
Castello di Masino
Caravino, Piedmont, Italy
Masino Castle
Masino Castle is located in Italy
Masino Castle
Masino Castle
Coordinates45°23′31″N 7°57′34″E / 45.391926°N 7.959362°E / 45.391926; 7.959362
TypeCastle
Site information
OwnerFondo Ambiente Italiano
Open to
the public
Yes

History edit

The castle's existence is documented as far back as 1070. Its original owner was the Valperga dynasty, which, legend has it, were descended from Arduino, the first king of Italy. Due to its strategic location, the castle was besieged and damaged several times throughout its existence, including by the House of Savoy in the 15th century, by the French in the 16th century, and by the Spanish in the 17th century.[1][2] The castle was later converted into an aristocratic residence.[1]

In 1988, the property was acquired by the Fondo Ambiente Italiano.[1][3]

Description edit

The castle lies on the top of a morainic relief rising from the Ivrea Plain at the foothills of the Alps. The property includes extensive gardens.

The structure features a quadrangular plan with an imposing keep.[2]

Gallery edit

References edit

  1. ^ a b c "Castello e Parco di Masino". Fondoambiente.it. 17 October 2022.
  2. ^ a b "Caravino (TO): Castello di Masino". Archeocarta.org. 17 October 2022.
  3. ^ "Castello e Parco di Masino a Caravino". Castelliaperti.it. 17 October 2022.

External links edit

  Media related to Masino Castle at Wikimedia Commons