Visconti Castle (Cassano d'Adda)

The Visconti Castle or Castello Visconteo of Cassano is a castle of Middle Age origin located in Cassano d'Adda, Lombardy, northern Italy. It received the current form in the 14th century, when Bernabò Visconti, lord of Milan, enlarged the existing fortification as part of a defensive system of the Visconti dominions on the Adda river. At the end of the 20th century, after a period of abandonment, it was restored and transformed into a hotel.

Visconti Castle (Cassano d'Adda)
Castello Visconteo di Cassano d'Adda
Cassano d'Adda
The Visconti Castle seen from the Adda river
Visconti Castle (Cassano d'Adda)
Coordinates45°31′32″N 9°31′27″E
TypeMedieval castle
Site history
Built12th-13th centuries
Built byBernabò Visconti


Location

The Visconti Castle is located near the Adda river on a hill over the Muzza canal. The overlooking position, allowing the control of the river, is believed to have motivated the erection of the first fortification.[1]

History

A castle in the area is supposed to have existed since the Carolingian time. Near the castle, on 27 September 1259, the Battle of Cassano was fought between the two Milanese factions supporting Ezzelino da Romano and Martino Della Torre. The battle ended with the defeat of Ezzelino and the confirmation of the Della Torre family as lords of Milan.

The castle was acquired by the Visconti house after their victory over the Della Torre in the fight for the lordship of Milan. In 1355, it was assigned to Bernabò within the division among him and his brothers Matteo II and Galeazzo II. Between 1355 e 1370, Bernabò, who had received the eastern portion of the Visconti territories, built a defensive line along the Adda river. As part of it, the existing fortification of Cassano d'Adda was strengthened and enlarged.

In the 15th century, Francesco Sforza consolidated the castle with the imposing buttresses, elevated over the Muzza canal, which today characterizes the castle.

In the following centuries, lost its military importance, the castle was used for different purposes: warehouse, prison, and recovery for homeless people.[2] In the 20th century, restoration works were undertaken, bringing back the castle to its original features. During these works, Middle Age frescos were discovered on the walls and on the vaulted ceilings and accordingly preserved.


Today

The castle today hosts the hotel Castello Visconteo. The internal rooms with Middle Age frescoes are open for the visit of the hotel guests.

References
  1. Conti, Hybsch & Vincenti (1990), p. 47
  2. Conti, Hybsch & Vincenti (1990), p. 48

Sources
  • Conti, Flavio; Hybsch, Vincenzo; Vincenti, Antonello (1990). I castelli della Lombardia. Provincie di Milano e Pavia. Novara: Istituto Geografico de Agostini. ISBN 88-402-9108-3.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)


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