Visconti Castle, Visconti castle in Fagnano Olona, nowadays town hall
Visconti Castle is a medieval fortress in Fagnano Olona with thick stone walls and tall towers, built strategically on a hilltop above the Olona River. The building still displays its original four-sided form with defensive towers and a now-dry moat that once protected the entrance.
The fortress's origins trace back to Roman times, but from the 13th century onward it was transformed under Visconti control. Over the centuries, the castle experienced numerous sieges and wars, especially in the 16th century when French and Spanish troops attacked it.
The castle's name comes from the Visconti family, who owned and shaped it from the 13th century onward. Inside the courtyard, old coats of arms and frescoes are still visible today, testifying to the long presence of this powerful Milanese family.
The castle sits centrally in town and is easily reached on foot, with its elevated position offering extended views over the plain. The outer walls and former moat are freely accessible, and parts of the interior now house the town hall with occasional public visits.
Inside, old frescoes from the late Middle Ages were discovered beneath modern layers and have been partially uncovered during restoration work. Particularly mysterious is a hidden underground room with a vaulted ceiling and a central hole in the floor, whose original purpose remains unclear.
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