Castello di Novara

The Visconteo-Sforzesco Castle in Novara is the city's most imposing monument, a red-brick giant recounting centuries of battles, power and transformation.

From the origins to the Visconti

The history of the fortress begins in 1272 with the construction of a first watchtower by Francesco della Torre. However, it was Giovanni Visconti around the 1360 to order the construction of a real defensive fortress, strategically positioned close to the city walls to control the territory and quell internal revolts.

The heyday with the Sforzas

The golden age of the castle coincides with the 15th century and the dynasty of the Sforza. In 1472, the Duke Galeazzo Maria Sforza initiated a radical military restructuring, entrusting the work to the famous architect Bartholomew Gadio. It is at this stage that the structure takes on the classic quadrangular plan with four corner towers and a deep moat. Legend has it that even Leonardo da Vinci provided advice to improve their defence systems.

Spanish rule and decline

In the 16th century, with the arrival of the Spaniards, the castle lost its residential function to become a purely military fortress and a barracks. Imposing earthen outer ramparts were erected (later demolished in the 19th century) and the structure underwent heavy alterations that erased its finest architectural details.

The sad time in prison

With the transition to Savoy rule, the fortress underwent its darkest transformation: from 1801 was converted into political and judicial prison. This function remained active for over a century, until the 1970s, isolating the castle from the rest of the city and causing its severe structural deterioration.

Rebirth: cultural hub of the city

After a long and meticulous architectural restoration concluded in recent years, the Novara Castle has finally been returned to its citizens. Today it is a dynamic cultural and museum centre hosting:

• Art exhibitions temporary exhibitions of international significance.
• Cultural Events, conferences and literary reviews.
• The great inner courtyard, an atmospheric public space open to all.

From being a symbol of imprisonment and oppression, the castle became the centre of the social and cultural life from Novara.

➡️ The Castle of Novara is open only for temporary exhibitions. In the absence of exhibitions, the Archaeological Museum.