The fortress that defied time

The fortress that defied time

It is one of the best-preserved examples of a 14th-century noble castle in Piedmont. How did it survive without major modifications?

The Serralunga d'Alba Castle in Italy stands as a resilient testament to the past. Originally, a watchtower occupied the site in the 12th century. However, it was not until the 14th century, when the Falletti family of Barolo acquired it, that they demolished the pre-existing tower and rebuilt the structure. Unusual for its time, this castle underwent very few modifications over the centuries, preserving its original medieval structure. Overlooking the village of Serralunga d'Alba and the vineyards of the Langhe, the castle sits in a commanding hilltop position.

The castle consists of several architecturally significant parts: the Palacium, a cylindrical tower, a square tower, and a chapel adorned with 15th-century frescoes depicting the Martyrdom of Saint Catherine of Alexandria. The restoration of the castle in 1949 ensured its preservation, and since 2015, it has been managed by the Regional Directorate of Museums of Piedmont.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons

Written by Nicolo Ciampini

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