There’s something about a medieval castle that always intrigues and delights me. I want to know who lived there, what they ate and wore, how they spent their days.
When the castle is a 14th century Italian one, the discovery is even better.
I discovered such a castle in the medieval burgh of Vogogna in Italy’s Piedmont region
A beautiful stone edifice built into the side of a mountain, the Visconti Castle is only a short five minute walk from the lovely old stone villa I stayed in with my friends Margo, Katy, Kate and Kathy.
Visconti Castle was commissioned by Giovanni Visconti in 1348, and designed as a fortress intended to protect the entire valley but especially Vogogna.
The main castle has three floors with fireplaces in each room and boasts stunning views of towering mountain peaks and staggered stair-steps of slate and red-tiled roofs.
I loved standing near the castle walls, feeling the warmth of the old stones baking in the sun, looking out over landscapes that have seen more history than I can even imagine.
On a cliff above the Visconti Castle are the haunting ruins of the Rocca, an ancient fortress that I will show you one day soon.
From our stone courtyard we could look up and see the semi-circular tower of the castle which has five floors and was used as a prison until 1914.
The smaller cells are still intact and if you look closely, you can see etchings made by the prisoners incarcerated there.
Nowadays Visconti Castle is a peaceful place, its sun-warmed walls and steps a favorite haunt for local cats, its rooms used for local gatherings, art exhibitions, and evening concerts during the summer.
What castle would you most like to see?
Contact Information for Castle Visconti and Vogogna
Comune di Vogogna
phone: +39 0324 87042
email: municipio@comune.vogogna.vb.it
website: www.comune.vogogna.vb.it
What a fascinating place Krista. I love the aspect of the first photo and the way you are looking up at the castle. I don’t have a particular castle that I wish to visit. I do enjoy going to see historical sites like this one.
Thank you, @wanderingsheila:disqus 🙂 That’s my favorite shot too. 🙂 I can tell you like historical sites from all your posts on your blogs. 🙂
Wow. I can’t imagine seeing such a gorgeous castle in real life. It would make me feel like I was living in medieval times…which would be fun for an afternoon. 🙂
LOL! An afternoon is about right, @joanneeatswellwithothers:disqus 🙂 Then I’d really, really, really want a hot shower, central heating, and a soft bed. 🙂
Gorgeous pics as always, esp the one with the courtyard and those big bottles. Can’t say I’ve spent much time in castles but Chenonceaux in the Loire is ver-r-r-y romantic.
Aren’t those bottles fabulous, Paradis?! 🙂 I’ve never seen Chenonceaux before! Now you’ve got me curious. 🙂
I love it – it’s making my imagination run wild right now…
Thank you, Andrea! 🙂 I’m so glad it has that effect on you. 🙂
I would love to see any castle, really. The handwork is amazing. I look at it and can almost see and hear those laying the stones, one by one. What am amazing work of art!
I’m with you, @google-37854c7777b9b21d0ae36d3aa8184779:disqus 🙂 I never tire of them and always, always wish I could stay longer to learn more. 🙂
I love castles too, the sense of history, people who lived there, their strength. Thank you for sharing.
You’re welcome, dear Ann! 🙂 “Their strength” – that’s really at the heart of it, isn’t it? There’s something so strong and safe about castles. 🙂
Beautiful pictures…there’s something so rustic and beautiful about the medieval castles ….yes, very special and meant to be savored. Also love the detail of the cat!
Thank you, @twitter-15386532:disqus 🙂 I love the cats too. 🙂 They were so lovely snoozing and grooming themselves in the sun. 🙂
beautiful!
Thank you, El! 🙂 I love it too. 🙂
Ohh, there is something so romantic about a medival castle, in Italy no less! Sounds like a fantastic time Krista… and can I just say I love your blog header, bravo! xo Tuula
I’m so glad you like the new header, @TuulaR:disqus ! 🙂 You were the first one to notice it. 🙂
Erm …
I wouldn’t be unhappy to traipse around Highclere Castle and soak up some Downton Abbey atmosphere … 🙂
Ohhhh, wouldn’t that be fantastic, @Jacqueline_at_Bliss:disqus ? 🙂 I’d absolutely have to join you on such a venture. 🙂
Love the cats on the warm stone walls 🙂 And love the new banner too!