Castello di Serralunga, Medieval castle and national museum in Serralunga d'Alba, Italy.
Castello di Serralunga is a fortress sitting on a hilltop in a small Piedmont village, combining French donjon architecture with steep stone walls. The tower contains three large halls stacked vertically on top of each other, offering views over the surrounding valley.
The Falletti family built this structure between 1340 and 1357, turning a simple defensive tower into a sophisticated military stronghold. The thick stone walls and tall design reflect the feudal struggles between competing powers in the region during that time.
The chapel inside displays frescoes from the 15th century showing Saint Catherine's suffering, and you can see how French Gothic design influenced the building's overall appearance.
Visits happen through guided tours lasting about 45 minutes, and you should book ahead, especially for weekends and holidays. Wear comfortable shoes since the climb to the hilltop is demanding and the interior stairs are narrow and steep.
Inside, the original wooden ceilings and large stone fireplaces from the 14th century remain unchanged. The castle also preserves a rare example of a medieval throwing tower, a structure that survives in very few places today.
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