Castello di Valperga, Medieval castle and art museum in Valperga, Italy

Castello di Valperga is a medieval castle and art museum featuring a rectangular entrance tower with circular towers in its central section. A neoclassical facade was added in 1807 during a major renovation that substantially expanded the original structure.

The castle predates the year 1000 and was probably built by a consortium of noble families settled in the Cuorgnè area. Around the 11th century Guido became its sole owner; his grandsons Guido V and Arduino founded the counts of Valperga. A decree of 9 June 1309 by Philip of Achaea invested the counts with the castle and the lordship of Valperga and Valpergato. In 1600 the castle was divided between the Valperga di Valperga and Valperga di Masino branches, and in 1776 it passed to Anna Vittoria San Giorgio di Balangero.

The church of San Giorgio, coeval with the castle, stands nearby and holds a 15th-century Passion of Christ, an example of the medieval painting cycles of the Alto Canavese. Its interior and exterior were frescoed by Pietro de Scotis and artists of Giacomo Jaquerio's school.

The castle stands in Valperga in the Canavese, with the church of San Giorgio beside it; the two are coeval and can be seen from the same visit. The complex has belonged to the Congregation of the Figlie della Sapienza since the second half of the 20th century, so access to the interiors depends on the congregation. Look for the rectangular entrance tower and the circular towers of the central body, the oldest surviving parts.

The church of San Giorgio, coeval with the castle, stands nearby and holds a 15th-century Passion of Christ, an example of medieval painting cycles of the Alto Canavese. Its interior and exterior were frescoed by Pietro de Scotis and artists of Giacomo Jaquerio's school.