Visconti-Sforza Castle

The Visconti-Sforza Castle stands as a rectangular fortress measuring approximately 80 by 108 meters with thick brick walls rising 7.5 meters above ground level, surrounded by a defensive moat fed by nearby irrigation channels.

Originally constructed in the 13th century by Francesco Della Torre and later expanded by the Visconti family, the castle underwent major renovations under Galeazzo Maria Sforza between 1466 and 1476 with the addition of four corner towers and reinforced walls.

The castle now houses the Angelo Bozzola Museum displaying sculptures, paintings, and graphic artworks, while its library contains over 14,000 volumes including rare incunabula and 16th-century publications that preserve regional literary heritage.

Located at coordinates 45.444503°N, 8.617399°E in central Novara, the castle is accessible via Piazza Vittorio Veneto and offers guided tours, educational programs, and exhibitions exploring medieval military architecture and regional history.

The fortress features underground passageways connecting its four corner towers that remain remarkably well-preserved, along with original drawbridges and posterns that demonstrate advanced medieval defensive engineering techniques still visible today.

Location: Novara

Website: https://ilcastellodinovara.it

GPS coordinates: 45.44450,8.61740

Latest update: July 23, 2025 15:18