CASTELLO DI CASOTTO

One of the most fascinating royal residences in Piedmontthe Casotto Castle, stands in Casotto Valley, in the territory of Garessio (CN), a 1,090 metres altitude. The building, now owned by the Piedmont Region and located along the road connecting Garessio e Pamparato, will be the subject of an important valorisation programme edited by Kalatà, a Monregalese cultural enterprise committed to the promotion of historical and artistic heritage.

The castle, built on the remains of an ancient Carthusian monastery, was transformed into hunting lodge of Charles Albert of Savoy. What is immediately striking is the majesty of architecture, surrounded by kilometres of forests and suspended in an atmosphere outside time.

In this place, ideal for prayer and meditation, in the 1172 i Carthusian monks founded the ancient Charterhouse, of which some archaeological traces are still visible. Repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt, it was transformed from the 1754 by the architect Bernardo Vittone, which gave it its present form. After the Napoleonic suppression of religious orders, in the 1837 the complex was purchased by Charles Albert and intended as a hunting lodge. A favourite place for Victor Emmanuel II, hunting lover, and summer residence of Marie Clotilde, the castle remained with the Savoy until 1881, when it was sold to private individuals and subsequently acquired by the region.

After a thorough restorationthe Casotto Castle offers itself to the public today in all its magnificence.
La guided tour (duration 1h15) accompanies visitors, in small groups, through the outdoor environments, the royal flats in the north wing - still furnished -, the royal chapel and the bell tower.