The most beautiful castles in the province of Pavia that are well worth a visit at least once

The province of Pavia is home to one of Lombardy’s richest collections of castles. With its medieval fortresses, Visconti mansions, aristocratic residences and fortresses overlooking the hills of the Oltrepò Pavese, the region recounts centuries of history through extraordinary architecture that still retains the charm of the past.

Visiting the castles of Pavia means journeying through different eras, from the struggles between medieval lordships to the splendours of the Renaissance, right up to the magnificence of the great noble families who have left an indelible mark on the landscape. Each castle holds stories of military commanders, sovereigns, ladies-in-waiting and events that have helped to write important chapters in Lombardy’s history.

From the city of Pavia to the countryside traversed by the Via Francigena, right up to the hills of the Oltrepò, there is a cultural itinerary capable of surprising visitors of all ages and offering an authentic experience combining art, architecture and traditions.

The symbol of the city of Pavia: the Visconti Castle

The Visconti Castle in Pavia is one of the most important masterpieces of late Gothic Lombard architecture and one of the city’s main cultural attractions. It was built between 1360 and 1365 at the behest of Galeazzo II Visconti, not so much as a military fortress as a refined court residence intended to house one of the most prestigious ruling houses in northern Italy.

The building still impresses today with the elegance of its architectural lines, its striking internal loggia, its large mullioned windows and its rooms which preserve precious frescoes from the Visconti and Sforza periods. Originally, the castle was set within a vast park used as a hunting reserve, which stretched as far as the Certosa di Pavia. Although the northern wing has been lost over the centuries, the complex retains the harmony and charm that have made it one of Lombardy’s most iconic monuments.

Throughout its history, the castle was also involved in the events of the famous Battle of Pavia in 1525, one of the most significant battles of the European Renaissance. Since the end of the Second World War, it has been home to the Civic Museums of Pavia, which house a rich artistic and historical heritage, ranging from archaeological collections to Lombard artefacts, from the works of the Malaspina Art Gallery to the collections dedicated to the Risorgimento and the 19th century.

Today, the Visconti Castle remains the cultural heart of the city and is an unmissable stop for anyone wishing to discover the history, art and traditions of the Pavia region.

The Sforza Castle in Vigevano, a giant of history

Just a few kilometres from Pavia stands one of Europe’s most impressive fortified complexes: the Sforza Castle in Vigevano.

With its vast courtyards and a surface area exceeding 70,000 square metres, the castle stands as one of the finest examples of Visconti and Sforza architecture. Its origins date back to the 14th century, but it was particularly during the reign of Ludovico il Moro that the complex reached its peak of splendour.

Figures of extraordinary importance such as Donato Bramante worked here and, according to various historical accounts, Leonardo da Vinci also contributed to some of the design work. Among the most striking features are the famous Strada Coperta, the Falconiera and the elegant Loggia delle Dame.

Its proximity to the splendid Piazza Ducale makes Vigevano an unmissable destination for anyone wishing to discover one of Lombardy’s most fascinating places.

Chignolo Po and the ‘Versailles of Lombardy’

Among the most fascinating historic residences in the province of Pavia, the Castle of Chignolo Po stands out, known as the “Versailles of Lombardy”. Built in the 13th century as a stronghold on the River Po and along the main trade routes between Northern Europe and Italy, it was transformed in the 18th century into a sumptuous princely residence.

The imposing complex, with its exposed brickwork, is dominated by the medieval square tower, adorned with battlements and an elegant loggia. Inside, visitors can admire richly decorated rooms, including the magnificent ballroom with its frescoed ceiling depicting the Four Seasons. Over the centuries, the castle has hosted illustrious figures such as Pope Clement XI, Napoleon Bonaparte and Emperor Francis I of Austria.

The complex also includes the medieval ricetto, the historic gardens and a large park, which all contribute to making the visit even more enchanting. Today, the castle houses the Museum of the History of Lombard Agricultural Civilisation and the Lombard Wine Museum. As it is a private residence, it can only be visited on guided tours, which allow visitors to discover the history and treasures of one of Lombardy’s most spectacular noble residences.

Dal Verme Castle in Zavattarello, the medieval heart of the Oltrepò

Set amongst the hills of the Oltrepò Pavese, the unmistakable silhouette of the Dal Verme Castle in Zavattarello rises up, considered one of the most fascinating medieval castles in Lombardy.

Perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the valley, the castle offers spectacular views and an atmosphere that instantly transports visitors back to the Middle Ages. Its history is linked to the powerful Dal Verme family, who for centuries made it their political and military centre.

The ancient walls have withstood wars, fires and looting, and still preserve a historical heritage of great value today. The restored rooms host permanent exhibitions and cultural events that allow visitors to explore the history of the area in greater depth.

Throughout the year, the castle also plays a central role in historical re-enactments, medieval events and themed tours that attract visitors from all over Italy.

Belgioioso: aristocratic elegance at the heart of art and culture

Rather than a military fortress, Belgioioso Castle presents itself as a refined noble residence set amidst lush greenery.

Founded during the Visconti era and transformed over the centuries, the complex is now one of the province’s main cultural centres. The grand brick façade, the historic halls and the gardens surrounding the building illustrate the evolution of Lombard residential architecture.

In recent decades, the castle has become a major venue for exhibitions, cultural events, themed markets and other events that attract thousands of visitors every year, helping to promote the local historical heritage.

Bereguardo Castle, the Visconti residence between the Ticino and the Naviglio

Among the most fascinating castles in the province of Pavia, Bereguardo Castle deserves a special mention: an imposing 14th-century Visconti manor that overlooks the town’s historic centre. Built at the behest of Luchino Visconti, the castle was originally intended for defensive purposes to guard the western flank of the State of Milan, but it soon became a refined hunting lodge and leisure retreat for the Milanese court.

The building stands on a natural terrace overlooking the Ticino valley and is still surrounded today by the clearly visible remains of the ancient moat, which highlight its original military function. Built entirely of exposed brickwork, it retains the typical charm of Lombard Visconti architecture. The structure originally had a square plan, but today it has a distinctive ‘U’-shape due to the disappearance of the northern wing, which was lost over the centuries.

Another distinctive feature is its location at the end of the Naviglio di Bereguardo, the navigable canal commissioned by the Visconti family which links the Ticino to Abbiategrasso and is one of Lombardy’s most important historic hydraulic engineering works.

Today, the castle remains at the heart of town life: it houses the Town Hall and the Public Library, continuing to play a vital role within the community. During the traditional Festival of San Zeno, which takes place every year in early October, the castle also plays a central role in exhibitions, historical re-enactments, costumed parades and the characteristic Donkey Race – events that help to promote the cultural heritage and local traditions.

Cigognola Castle, the sentinel of the Oltrepò Pavese

Perched atop a hill overlooking the Scuropasso Valley, Cigognola Castle is one of the most recognisable landmarks of the Oltrepò Pavese. Built in the first half of the 13th century in a strategic position to control the routes leading to Emilia, it initially served an important defensive function before being transformed, with the end of feudalism, into a prestigious noble residence.

The complex is laid out around an inner courtyard and is surrounded by walls and ramparts that emphasise its grandeur. The spectacular crenellated tower, visible from much of the valley, helps to make the castle one of the most picturesque vantage points in the area.

Still a private residence today, Cigognola Castle retains a unique charm and stands as a valuable testament to the history of the feudal estates in the Po Valley. During special openings and organised tours, visitors can admire some of the most prestigious rooms, such as the Hunting Hall, the Library and the Billiard Room, as well as discover the long history of this fascinating manor, which today also houses a renowned winery.

A heritage to be enjoyed all year round

The castles in the province of Pavia are not merely monuments to be admired, but living places that continue to bring the past to life through guided tours, exhibitions, cultural events, historical re-enactments and family-friendly activities.

Planning a tour of these castles means discovering a region rich in character, where each castle holds a different story and helps to form the province’s cultural mosaic. From the majestic Visconti architecture of the plains to the hilltop fortresses of the Oltrepò, Pavia’s castles represent one of Lombardy’s most extraordinary historical legacies and are an unmissable stop for anyone wishing to discover the region’s most authentic spirit.

For further information,
please visit the website: www.visitpavia.com 
Ph. Depositphotos