Castello di Verzuolo

Perched on the top of a hill overlooking the saluzzo landsthe Verzuolo Castle stands as a monumental witness to centuries of Piedmontese history. Now guarded by the new ownership OM.E.G. Srl, this monumental complex encloses within its walls the evolution of an entire region, from inaccessible war machine a refined noble residence.

Origins: The Impregnable Fortress (1377)

The roots of the castle lie in the 1377, when the Marquis Frederick II of Saluzzo decided to build a new, colossal fortress on the ashes of an earlier outpost. Designed to impress and defend, the manor house immediately imposed itself as one of the Piedmont's most impressive military structures, thanks to a formidable defensive system: a double walls, the austere Lion Tower and an impressive drawbridge.

A century later, in 1477, under the far-sighted leadership of the Marquises Ludwig I e Ludwig II, the fortress was refined and strengthened with the addition of a pitched roof, two circular watchtowers and well 90 new openings between doors and windows, which began to let light filter through its severe geometries.

The Renaissance metamorphosis and the splendour of the 19th century

With changing war strategies and the advent of firearms, the castle gradually lost its military centrality. It was at the end of the 16th century that Count Michele Antonio di Saluzzo della Manta realised its residential potential, orchestrating a spectacular metamorphosis.

The fortress thus became a splendid mansion, enhanced by the eastern towers of Valfrigida and the Belvedere (the latter unfortunately disappeared in the 20th century), and surrounded by a scenic setting of gardens, parks and terraced vineyards. This splendour reached its peak in the’Nineteenth century, when the castle was celebrated as one of the most fascinating and romantic manors of the whole of Piedmont.

The decline of the 20th century and the surviving treasures

The 20th century has unfortunately reserved the darkest pages for the history of Verzuolo. Over seventy years of total neglect deeply wounded the structure, culminating in the disastrous collapse of the southern portion in 1936.

Yet, despite the wounds of time, the castle still retains a magnetic charm and architectural details of extraordinary value:

• Neo-Gothic atmospheres: Walls in stone and brick which still show traces of frescoes in the style flamboyant gothic.
• Noble interiors: Majestic 16th-century fireplaces and the monumental horseshoe-shaped staircase, a scenic masterpiece of the Six hundred.
• The Chapel of Valfrigida: A jewel at octagonal plan that holds precious baroque decorations.
• Daily life: Le ancient kitchens, which recount the intimacy of the castle when, in summer, it came alive as the holiday residence of the Barbiellini Amidei accounts, the last aristocrats to inhabit its rooms.

➡️ To book the guided tour click here.

🗓️ On days with the special event The County of the Magic World, Museum Pass holders will have to pay a surcharge of € 3.00 directly at the ticket office, in addition to the usual registration of the card.