Pizzighettone Castle, Medieval fortress in Pizzighettone, Italy
Pizzighettone Castle is a fortress complex located in the town along the Adda River, featuring two main towers and walls built for military defense. The structure spreads along the waterway and displays typical Northern Italian fortification methods with brick walls and defensive ditches.
The fortress was built in the 11th century and underwent major reconstruction in 1333 to serve as a strategic outpost for the ruling Visconti family. Over the centuries it was repeatedly reinforced and adapted to counter changing military threats in the region.
The fortress walls show how people organized defense systems in Northern Italy and used this stronghold as both a protective shelter and a living space. You can still see how the different towers and bastions worked together to safeguard the settlement.
Visitors can explore the outer sections, including the walls and towers, which are partly accessible on foot. Comfortable shoes are recommended since the ground is uneven and paths around the fortification run at different levels.
In 1525 French King Francis I was held prisoner here following his defeat at the Battle of Pavia. The king's captivity turned this fortress into a notable location in European history of that period.
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