Castello di Calepio, Medieval castle in Castelli Calepio, Italy.

Castello di Calepio sits on high ground overlooking the Oglio River valley with natural cliff walls protecting its south side and a deep moat surrounding the north and east sides. The complex includes multiple buildings, courtyards, and rooms that show its evolution from a defensive fortress to an ornate residence.

The fortress was built in 1430 by Trussardo di Calepio after the previous stronghold was destroyed in 1428 during conflicts with Niccolò Piccinino. Venetian backing helped establish this new defensive structure at the strategic location.

The fortress changed from a military stronghold into a residential palace for nobility between the 17th and 18th centuries, displaying rococo and neoclassical decorations throughout its rooms. This shift shows how the ruling families chose to display their wealth and refined tastes rather than focus on defense.

The castle stands inside the medieval village of Calepio, now part of Castelli Calepio, with the Oglio valley forming a scarp along its south side and a deep moat on the north and east. Access to the north side was originally by drawbridge. The south-east area, reinforced with buttresses, holds two Italian-style gardens.

The chapel of the Guardian Angel and Saint Celestino Martyr was built between 1693 and 1695 in the space between the drawbridge and the main gate. The body of the saint, recently found in the Roman catacombs and previously kept at the nearby Castello di Trebecco, was placed inside. In the courtyard stands a statue of the founder Trussardo da Calepio.