The medieval castle of Cordovado was erected in the 11th century on the remains of a Roman castrum that was placed to guard a ford of the Via Augusta.

Because of its location, it became the summer residence of the bishops of Concordia, who governed it through a guastaldo, a position this attributed to the Ridolfi family, whose task was to reside there permanently, guard it, defend it, and administer justice.

In the 16th century, after the collapses caused by the violent earthquake of 1511, the present palace was built on the foundations of the ancient manor – Villa Piccolomini Freschi – of which the Counts Freschi of Cuccanea and later the Counts Piccolomini of Siena became owners by succession.

Of the original structure of the castle remain the two scudate towers and part of the very well-preserved walls. Within the latter are the small 12th-century church, the 15th-century Agricola palace, the imposing villa, the early 19th-century romantic park, and the medieval cottages.