Castello, Medieval castle in Castiglione delle Stiviere, Italy

Castello is a military structure on the hill above Castiglione delle Stiviere, probably founded in the 9th century on a Roman castrum. Of the fortress, the entrance tower survives intact, and inside the courtyard stands the Basilica of San Sebastiano, built by Ferrante Gonzaga after he survived the plague.

The fortress was built in the 9th century on Roman foundations and served as a residence for the Gonzaga family. Major renovations in 1491 by architect Giovanni da Padova transformed its appearance.

The castle was the seat of the court of Ferrante Gonzaga, first Marquis of Castiglione, and San Luigi Gonzaga was born within these walls on 9 March 1568. In the courtyard stands the Basilica of San Sebastiano, which Ferrante had built in thanks for surviving the plague.

The fortress now functions as the Parish Center and welcomes visitors by appointment. To visit, arrange access in advance through the center located at Via San Carlo Borromeo 1.

French armies inflicted substantial damage to the structure in 1706 during military conflicts. Later, many of its stones were repurposed to build the town cathedral in 1763.