Castle of Burio, Medieval fortress in Costigliole d'Asti, Italy.

Castle of Burio is a stone fortress perched on a hill where the Tinella and Nizza streams converge. It sits surrounded by vineyards and agricultural fields that stretch across the Lower Piedmont landscape.

The castle belonged to the Pallidi until the end of the 16th century, then passed through the Pelletta, Roero, Malabayla and Pallio families, who held the lordship of Burio. In the 17th century it was at the centre of the war between Spain and the army of Duke Charles Emmanuel I of Savoy. Later it went to the Asinari family; in the 20th century Count Luigi Lanzavecchia reunified the divided shares.

The castle displays the architectural style of the Asti-Monferrato region through its two towers and drawbridge design. Visitors can observe these defensive features and understand how the structure reflected the building traditions of medieval Piedmont.

The castle participates in the 'Castelli Aperti' circuit of Lower Piedmont, which allows visitors to explore it during cultural events and open days. Check ahead for visiting opportunities since access is limited to specific times throughout the year.

The castle never held a strategic role: it served mainly as an agricultural estate and the administrative centre of the Burio landholding. In the 17th century it stood at the centre of the war between Spain and the army of Duke Charles Emmanuel I of Savoy. A drawbridge still leads into the inner courtyard, and an octagonal tower has a spiral staircase.