Visconti Rocca, Medieval castle in Urgnano, Italy
Visconti Rocca is a square fortress with four corner towers, exposed brick walls, and a deep moat surrounding the entire structure built according to Gothic architectural principles. The entire building displays the defensive architecture of the Middle Ages with clear, geometric forms.
Giovanni Visconti, Archbishop of Milan, commissioned the fortress in 1354 at a strategic crossroads between Milan and Brescia, replacing an earlier fortification. The location was chosen to secure trade routes and political control in the Lombardy region.
The castle contains a Renaissance hall with decorated ceilings and heraldic emblems that reflect the military history of the region. These rooms show how the Visconti family displayed their power and wealth through elaborate decoration.
The building now houses a public library and cultural center with exhibition spaces and performances throughout the year. Visitors should check ahead about current events to experience the various uses of the historic rooms.
The elevated garden features nine caricatured dwarf statues added during 18th-century renovations. These quirky figures create a contrast to the otherwise stern medieval architecture.
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