Castello di Castellamonte, Medieval castle in Castellamonte, Italy

The Castello di Castellamonte consists of four buildings arranged around the access road that passes through a 15th-century gate tower. The two northern buildings belonged to the Aimone branch, while the southern ones, rebuilt later, belonged to the Cognengo branch and are entered through a Baroque portal. The white palace on the right dates from the 17th century and is attributed to Amedeo di Castellamonte; the Red Tower was given neo-Gothic terracotta decoration and Guelph merlons by architect Luigi Formento in the second half of the 19th century.

The castle is documented from 1066, held by the counts of Castellamonte, descendants of Arduino of Ivrea. The primitive castle was destroyed in the Tuchin revolt of 1383-1387, a Canavese war in which the Castellamonte, allied with the San Martino and backed by Savoy, were besieged by the Valperga and the marquesses of Montferrat. Ibleto of Challant restored the Savoyard peace in 1387, and the castle was rebuilt in the early 1400s.

The village grew along the castle wall and its road, taking its name from the castle; seven gates along that wall are still visible. In the 14th and 15th centuries the Castellamonte counts split into branches such as Cagnis, Cognengo, Aimone and Della Porta, who shared the fief through a consortile system, rotating jurisdiction over 364 points every three years.

The castle sits on a hilltop with views over the surrounding landscape, so comfortable footwear is helpful for walking around the complex. Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the architecture and details of the buildings.

The castle's name gave the town its name: the settlement grew along the wall where the seven gates still stand, on the road linking Cuorgnè and Ivrea. The counts of Castellamonte split into branches such as Cagnis, Cognengo, Aimone and Della Porta, and shared the fief through a consortile system rotating jurisdiction every three years.