Castello di Calendasco

Castello di Calendasco is a medieval brick fortress with a trapezoidal plan, four round towers, and connecting defensive walls topped with Guelph merlons. Inside stand two large halls featuring fireplaces and wooden coffered ceilings that once hosted gatherings of the noble families who lived here.

The fortress was built in the 9th century and first documented under Pope Urban II, establishing its early strategic role. After destruction in 1346, it was reconstructed in 1372, giving the structure the form that survives today.

The castle reflects how noble families exercised power in the Po Valley countryside during the Middle Ages. The fortress served as a center where local authority was exercised and maintained over the surrounding agricultural lands and river trade networks.

The castle sits in flat countryside where its brick walls and towers are clearly visible from the approach. Visitors should confirm access conditions beforehand, as visiting arrangements may vary seasonally.

A notable detail is the birth of Saint Conrad Confalonieri within these walls in 1290, a fact that gave the location religious significance within the region. This connection to a venerated figure continues to shape how locals regard this fortress.