CASTELLO VISCONTEO DI VOGOGNA

The Castle of Vogogna, built in an elevated position above the village, with its semicircular tower dominates the entire village. In all probability, the fortification was commissioned by Giovanni Visconti, who in 1348 enlarged the castle by adding other buildings to the pre-existing nucleus. The castle was built as a military garrison to defend the entire valley and especially the village of Vogogna.

In 1328, in fact, the small centre became the capital of Ossola Inferiore, as opposed to Domodossola, which was the capital of Ossola Superiore in those same years. Little is known about the damage done to the fortification following the attacks in 1360 by the league led by the Marquis of Monferrato and in 1374 by the Spelorci. In 1798 the castle became municipal property and was used as a prison. Closed to the public in 1970, after a restoration that began in 1990, it was reopened in 1998. From 1998 to 2004, the interior of the structure was completed with new facilities inaugurated in 2005.