The 10 Best Castles in Piedmont, Italy

One of three magical islands on Lake Maggiore, Isola Bella charms visitors with its magnificent Baroque palace and terraced gardens that slope to the lake.

Grinzane Cavour Castle stands in one of the most spectacular settings in the Langa, just 5 km from Alba. The imposing building, erected around a central tower dating back to the first half of the XI century, can be admired in all its original beauty following the restoration that began in 1960, in celebration of the first centenary of the Unification of Italy. The Castle now houses the "Cavour" Regional Enoteca, the first to be set up in Piedmont in 1967. This is a prestigious showcase for the very best Piedmontese wines and grappas, foremost amongst them being Barolo and Barbaresco. The wines undergo a strict selection process before being displayed and placed on sale along with leading local food products. Tastings possible.

An enchanting castle silhouetted against the backdrop of the Cuneo Alps, first inhabited by Valerano, the Lord of the Marquisate of Saluzzo. Among the medieval era interiors, the salon stands out. A baronial setting where one of the most awe-inspiring examples of 15th century painting is to be found, with mythical heroes dressed as knights and heroines as ladies-of-the-court by the fountain of eternal youth.

Immersed within extensive grounds, Masino Castle is the sumptuous residence of one of the most illustrious Piedmontese families, descended from Arduin of Ivrea, the first King of Italy; a thousand years of history encapsulated on a journey through beautifully furnished and frescoed rooms. Acquired in 1988 by FAI from Luigi Valperga di Masino thanks to a donation from FIAT, the Cassa di Risparmio di Torino and Maglificio Calzificio Torinese For more than a thousand years, Masino Castle has overlooked the immense Canavese plain from high ground in front of the evocative morainic barrier of the Serra di Ivrea – an intact and seemingly endless landscape. The strategic location of the castle resulted in it being frequently attacked, but the noble Valperga dynasty – whom, legend has it, are descended from Arduin of Ivrea, the first King of Italy–retained ownership of it right from the very beginning, documented as far back as 1070.

The castle overlooks the town and hits the visitor for his gothic architecture. It's front is made of bricks with little arches. Few the windows, and only at the top. The way in was guarded by a wide ditch, a rolling shutter and a drawbridge. Inside you can see still some fireplaces, wood ceilings and a chapel with frescoes.

One of the few historical castles that are still occupied by their private owners. The castle is more than 1300 years old and present into a medieval fortress, a really interesting art and furniture collection. The undergrounds of the castle are showing in a fresh and cool ambiance, the products of the local vignards and a small but interesting wine museum.

The Castle of Fossano, built as a defence structure by Philip I of Acaia between 1324 and 1332, was later transformed by the Savoy family in a stately castle. The XVI century loggias host the city library, with more than 150,000 books and an historical archive – with old books, collections and documents – of about 10,000 texts. In the inner court yard and in the ground floor hall cultural activities, meetings, exhibitions and concerts take place. The view of the Monviso and the Alpine chain from the panoramic tower is unique.

Temporarily Closed

Camino Castle is situated in the Monferrato hills, in the north-west of Italy.Camino Castle, surrounded by ancient woods full of interesting birdlife, overlooks the Monferrato foothills which are covered in trees and vineyards..Even today, Camino Castle is one of the most admired buildings in Monferrato for its splendid architecture and excellent state of preservation.