Complete Guide to Discovering Must-See Castles in Piedmont #2
Today, we continue our journey through the most beautiful castles in Piedmont that you absolutely must not miss! And the best part is that they are all easily reachable from Cascina Facelli!
Think about it… a day exploring these breathtaking beauties and then peace and tranquility, in the evening, back at Cascina Facelli: with a fresh aperitif by the pool in summer and spring or enjoying the foliage view in autumn, in the deafening silence of the birds!
Let’s begin!
Masino Castle
Masino Castle, located in Caravino in the province of Turin, dates back to the 11th century. Originally a medieval fortress, it was transformed into a Baroque noble residence by the Valperga family in the 17th century. The castle is situated in a panoramic position overlooking the Canavese plain, with views of the surrounding hills and Monte Rosa.
The rooms of the castle are richly decorated with frescoes, stuccoes, and original furnishings. Among the most notable rooms are the Hall of the Gods, the Gallery of Poets, and the Hall of Coats of Arms.
The castle’s historic library contains over 25,000 volumes, many of which date back to the 16th and 17th centuries.
The English park, designed in the 18th century, is one of the most beautiful historic gardens in Piedmont. It includes a maze, a greenhouse, and numerous botanical species.
The stables of the castle host a collection of carriages and vintage vehicles.
Events
FAI Spring Days (March)
Special opening of the castle with guided tours, educational workshops, and family activities organized by the Italian Environmental Fund (FAI).
Three Days for the Garden (April)
One of the most important horticultural fairs in Italy, featuring exhibitions of rare plants, flowers, garden furniture, and gardening equipment.
Night of Museums (May)
Evening opening of the castle with special guided tours, concerts, and theatrical performances.
Summer at the Castle (June – September)
A summer program with outdoor concerts, cinema under the stars, themed visits, and children’s activities in the castle park.
Christmas Market (December)
Christmas market with local crafts, gastronomic products, and Christmas decorations. Includes activities for children, such as creative workshops and animation shows.
Temporary Exhibitions (Year-round)
Temporary exhibitions on various themes, from art to history, organized in the castle rooms.
Tour Operators
FAI – Italian Environmental Fund
Description: FAI organizes guided tours of the castle, focusing on history and cultural heritage conservation.
Website: FAI – Masino Castle
Somewhere Tours & Events
Description: They offer thematic and customized guided tours of the castle, including evening tours and visits during special events.
Website: Somewhere Tours
Contact Information
Official Website: Masino Castle
Address: Via al Castello, 1, 10010 Caravino TO, Italy
Phone: +39 0125 778100
Grinzane Cavour Castle
Grinzane Cavour Castle, located in the municipality of Grinzane Cavour in the province of Cuneo, is one of the symbols of the Langhe, one of the most famous wine regions in Italy. Built in the 13th century, the castle underwent several transformations over the centuries. It is famous for being the residence of Camillo Benso Count of Cavour, one of the main architects of Italian Unification, who lived and worked there as mayor of the town for 17 years. The castle is now a museum dedicated to local history and viticulture.
The castle museum offers an interesting overview of local history with exhibitions on viticulture, winemaking, and rural life in the Langhe.
You will see a room dedicated to Camillo Benso Count of Cavour, with personal items, documents, and period furniture—don’t miss it!
Additionally, the wine shop located in the castle offers a selection of local wines and organizes tastings.
The Tower and the panoramic terrace offer a breathtaking view of the Langhe hills and the surrounding vineyards.
Events
Grinzane Cavour Castle hosts a variety of cultural and gastronomic events throughout the year.
World Alba White Truffle Auction (November)
An internationally renowned event that attracts gourmets and chefs from around the world. The auction takes place in the historic halls of the castle and offers truffles of the highest quality.
Grinzane Cavour Literary Prize (Spring)
A prestigious literary award celebrating works of Italian and international fiction, with ceremonies and meetings with authors.
Wine Tastings and Gastronomic Evenings (Year-round)
Events dedicated to discovering the wines and culinary specialties of the Langhe, often organized in collaboration with the Regional Wine Shop.
Medieval Festivals and Historical Reenactments (Summer)
Events that recreate the medieval atmosphere with costume parades, tournaments, falconry shows, and medieval dinners.
Temporary Art Exhibitions (Year-round)
Exhibitions of contemporary and historical art in the castle rooms.
Tour Operators
Langhe Experience Tours
Description: They offer guided tours of the Langhe, including excursions to Grinzane Cavour Castle with wine tastings and local products.
Website: Langhe Experience Tours
Piedmont Food and Wine
Description: Specializing in food and wine tours, they offer guided tours of the castle and surrounding vineyards, with insights into wine production.
Website: Piedmont Food and Wine
Truffle Hunter Langhe
Description: They organize truffle tours in the Langhe, which include visits to Grinzane Cavour Castle and tastings of truffles and local wines.
Website: Truffle Hunter Langhe
Contact Information
Official Website: Grinzane Cavour Castle
Address: Via Castello, 5, 12060 Grinzane Cavour CN, Italy
Phone: +39 0173 262159
Manta Castle
Manta Castle, located in the municipality of Manta in the province of Cuneo, is one of the most picturesque castles in Piedmont. The origins of the castle date back to the 14th century when it was built as a fortress. Over the centuries, it underwent numerous transformations until it became a noble residence. The castle is famous for its frescoes dating back to the 15th century, depicting scenes of courtly life and medieval legends.
The most famous frescoes in the castle are those in the Hall of the Hunt, the Hall of Arts, and the Hall of Music. These frescoes are extraordinary examples of medieval and Renaissance art.
The rooms of the castle are furnished with period furniture and precious fabrics, offering an idea of the luxury and lifestyle of the medieval nobility.
The castle is surrounded by a large park, which features centuries-old plants and an Italian garden, ideal for walks and relaxation.
Events
FAI Spring Days (March)
Special opening of the castle with guided tours, family activities, and educational workshops organized by the Italian Environmental Fund (FAI).
Castle Festival (Summer)
Events that include classical music concerts, theater, and dance performances inside and in the castle park.
Night of Museums (May)
Evening opening with special guided tours, artistic performances, and animated readings, offering a unique experience under the stars.
Christmas Markets (December)
Christmas market with local craft stalls, gastronomic specialties, and children’s activities, including creative workshops and animation shows.
Temporary Art Exhibitions (Year-round)
Exhibitions of contemporary and historical art that use the castle’s rooms as a setting for modern and ancient works of art.
Tour Operators
Somewhere Tours & Events
Description: They offer thematic and customized guided tours of the castle, including evening tours and visits during special events.
Website: Somewhere Tours
Turismo in Piemonte
Description: They organize cultural and historical tours in Piedmont, including guided tours of Manta Castle with insights into its frescoes and history.
Website: Turismo in Piemonte
Piemonte Adventure
Description: Specializing in excursions and cultural visits, they offer tours to Manta Castle with local guides who tell stories and legends of the place.
Website: Piemonte Adventure
Contact Information
Official Website: Manta Castle
Address: Via San Giovanni, 1, 12030 Manta CN, Italy
Phone: +39 0175 87822
Barolo Castle
Barolo Castle, located in the heart of the Langhe in the province of Cuneo, dates back to the 10th century and is one of the most emblematic residences of the region. Originally a medieval fortress, it was transformed over the centuries into a noble residence. The castle is famous not only for its history and architecture but also for its fundamental role in the birth of Barolo wine. Today, it houses the WiMu (Wine Museum), an innovative museum dedicated to the culture of wine.
WiMu (Wine Museum): The museum offers an interactive and multimedia experience on the history of wine, from viticulture to winemaking, with a special focus on Barolo.
Regional Wine Shop of Barolo: Located in the castle’s cellars, it offers a selection of the best Barolo wines from the region, with the possibility of tastings and purchases.
Historical Rooms: The rooms of the castle are furnished with period furniture and offer a glimpse into the noble life of the past. Don’t miss the library, dining room, and chapel.
Panoramic View: The castle terrace offers a breathtaking view of the Langhe hills and the surrounding vineyards.
Events
Collisioni Festival (July)
An international music and literature festival that attracts artists, writers, and audiences from around the world. It takes place in the squares and courtyards of the castle and the town.
Barolo Night (August)
A night dedicated to Barolo wine, with tastings, musical performances, and guided tours of the castle. The castle cellars remain open late to allow visitors to savor local wines.
Wine Festival (September)
An event celebrating the harvest and wines of the Langhe, with tastings, markets, shows, and family activities. Includes guided tours of the WiMu and the Regional Wine Shop.
Temporary Art Exhibitions (Year-round)
Exhibitions of contemporary and historical art in the castle rooms, often featuring works by local and international artists.
Food and Wine Events (Year-round)
Themed evenings with gourmet dinners prepared by renowned chefs, accompanied by tastings of Barolo wines and other wines from the Langhe.
Tour Operators
Langhe Experience Tours
Description: They offer guided tours of the Langhe, including excursions to Barolo Castle with tastings of wines and local products.
Website: Langhe Experience Tours
Piedmont Food and Wine
Description: Specializing in food and wine tours, they offer guided tours of the castle and surrounding vineyards, with insights into wine production.
Website: Piedmont Food and Wine
Barolo Wine Tours
Description: They offer exclusive tours of the castle and cellars, with expert guides who tell the history of Barolo and its lands.
Website: Barolo Wine Tours
Contact Information
Official Website: Barolo Castle
Address: Piazza Falletti, 1, 12060 Barolo CN, Italy
Phone: +39 0173 386697
May this guide be useful to you!
See you next time!