Best castles around Casalvolone offer a journey through the historical landscape of the Novara province in Italy. This municipality is home to remnants of medieval castles, providing insights into the region's past. Visitors can explore historical sites that showcase centuries of architectural evolution and strategic importance. The area's heritage is reflected in structures that range from ancient fortifications to those integrated into later rural buildings.
Last updated: June 30, 2026
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The Visconti-Sforza Castle of Novara is a castle located in the south-western border of the old center of Novara. It was erected on the former corner of the Roman and Middle Age walls that surrounded the city. The origin of the castle is connected to the transfer of Novara under the influence of Milan, taking place in the second half of the 13th century. In 1272 Francesco Della Torre (member of the family ruler of Milan), after taking over the city, ordered the construction of a fortification on the site belonged to the Tettoni family. In the 14th century, after the exchange of the ruling families from the Della Torre to the Visconti, the Lord of Milan Giovanni Visconti (1339-1354) paid again attention to Novara and had the castle built. The castle was strengthened by his successors Galeazzo II (1354-1378) and Gian Galeazzo (1378-1402). Works and repairs were done over the years by Francesco Sforza. His son, the duke Galeazzo Maria, carried out the major transformation of the building. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visconti-Sforza_Castle_(Novara)
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Novara Castle is located in the city center
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Once you reach Monticello, either by dirt road or by road, you can take a break right in front of the church and the old castle!!! In fact, we find a column for bike maintenance next to a fountain
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On the edge of a natural terrace of the Sesia river, in a short side street from Piazza Vodano you can admire the beautiful and solid tower that in ancient times was part of the medieval castle known as Torre dei Visconti, dating from the twelfth century. In compact red bricks, it has a square plan and is crowned by split battlements resting on a triple motif of sawtooth stones. In ancient times, a few small windows on either side served as light connections. The building was probably connected to the early medieval castrum of which traces have been lost: documents dating from the eleventh and thirteenth centuries indicate the fortified complex "Castro della torre".
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The Visconti Castle in Vercelli, Italy, is a medieval castle that stands proudly in the heart of the city. Built at the end of the 13th century, the castle has undergone several transformations over the years. Today it serves as the seat of the Tribunal of Vercelli. The original design, attributed to Matteo Visconti, follows the classic pattern of the Visconti castles of the Lombardy plains: square, with towers at each corner, two entrances on opposite sides, and an inner courtyard. In addition to serving as a symbol of Visconti power over Vercelli, the castle also strengthened the city walls on the south side. Over time, the castle fell into disrepair, but was restored and adapted for various purposes. During the Franco-Spanish War in the 17th century, the castle was damaged during the Spanish siege of 1638. It served as a residence for the governors of Vercelli during the Napoleonic era and later housed the prison. Further restorations were carried out in the 20th century, allowing the castle to regain its original grandeur. Today the castle can only be admired from the outside and is used internally only for official state functions.
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The Casalino castle (14th century), surrounded by a magnificent park, is excellently preserved. The most attentive eyes will notice that above the main entrance there is still the beam that once served to operate the drawbridge. Privately owned, the building is currently uninhabited.
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The Parish Church, dedicated to Saints Gervasio and Protasio, was consecrated by Bishop Carlo Bascapè on 6 May 1608, as evidenced by a plaque walled inside, to the left of the presbytery. Currently the facade has two niches with statues of the titular saints.
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What the inhabitants of Novara call a castle then served as a prison. Today it is the seat of a museum complex and of various associations and bodies including that of promotion of the territory, ATL
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In Casalvolone, you can explore the remnants of the 12th-century Ricetto of Casalvolone, which was built on an artificial motte and once surrounded by a fish-filled moat. You can still see portions of its rectangular walls. Additionally, the 15th-century Castello degli Avogadro di Casalvolone, located in Pisnengo, offers a glimpse into the region's architectural evolution, with its ancient features integrated into a 17th-century rural building. Both offer a tangible connection to the area's medieval past.
Beyond Casalvolone, you can visit the Visconti-Sforza Castle (Novara), a 13th-century fortification in Novara's city center that now houses a museum complex. Another option is Casalino Castle, a well-preserved 14th-century private residence surrounded by a magnificent park, where you can still see the beam for its former drawbridge. The Torre dei Visconti, a 12th-century tower in compact red bricks, is also worth seeing.
The Visconti-Sforza Castle (Novara), located in the city center, is a 13th-century fortification that once served as a prison. Its origins are linked to Novara's transfer under Milanese influence in the 13th century, with significant strengthening by the Visconti and Sforza families. Today, it serves as a museum complex and houses various associations, showcasing centuries of regional history.
Yes, you can visit the Torre dei Visconti. This beautiful and solid tower, dating from the 12th century, was once part of a medieval castle. It features a square plan, compact red bricks, and split battlements, offering a glimpse into ancient defensive architecture.
The area around Casalvolone offers various outdoor activities. You can explore numerous routes for gravel biking, hiking, and mountain biking. For example, you can find routes like 'Novara Trail: Stage 3' for hiking or 'Cathedral of Saint Eusebius – Olcenengo loop from Vercelli' for gravel biking. You can find more details and routes in the Gravel biking around Casalvolone, Hiking around Casalvolone, and MTB Trails around Casalvolone guides.
Yes, there are several hiking trails available. You can explore routes such as 'Novara Trail: Stage 3' (difficult, 21.8 km), 'Sesia River Crossing Walk' (moderate, 12.3 km), or 'Sentiero Novara Stage 2: From Casaleggio to San Nazzaro' (moderate, 12.5 km). For more hiking options, refer to the Hiking around Casalvolone guide.
Yes, the Visconti-Sforza Castle (Novara) is categorized as family-friendly and houses a museum complex, which can be engaging for all ages. Additionally, Monticello Village and Church, a small settlement with historical significance, is also considered family-friendly.
While specific weather data isn't provided, generally, spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) offer pleasant temperatures for exploring historical sites in Italy, avoiding the peak heat of summer and the colder, potentially wetter conditions of winter. These seasons are ideal for walking and outdoor activities around the castles.
Visitors appreciate the journey through the historical landscape, discovering remnants of medieval castles that offer insights into the region's past. The area's heritage is reflected in structures ranging from ancient fortifications to those integrated into later rural buildings. The komoot community has shown appreciation with over 38 upvotes and 25 photos shared, highlighting the visual appeal and historical depth of these sites.
Yes, there are several cycling routes, including options for gravel biking and mountain biking. You can find routes like 'Cathedral of Saint Eusebius – Olcenengo loop from Vercelli' (moderate, 61.8 km) for gravel biking, or 'Lame del Sesia Park Loop from Vercelli' (difficult, 68.3 km) for mountain biking. More routes are available in the Gravel biking around Casalvolone and MTB Trails around Casalvolone guides.
The remnants of the Ricetto of Casalvolone are freely accessible from the outside, allowing visitors to observe its lower walls and artificial motte. The Castello degli Avogadro di Casalvolone is privately owned and can only be admired from the exterior, but its historical layers are still visible, integrated into a 17th-century rural building.


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