Castello di Villanova, Medieval castle in Cassolnovo, Italy.
Castello di Villanova is a medieval fortress with a square layout, four corner towers, and an entrance tower showing drawbridge foundations. Inside, wooden balconies overlook the central courtyard, and an original water pump system is still visible, revealing how inhabitants once obtained water.
The fortress underwent major changes in 1455 when the Sanseverino family took control, and was later modified again under Ludovico il Moro and the Gonzaga rulers. These alterations reflect how different powerful families adapted the structure to suit their purposes.
Two large marble busts from the late Roman period stand at the entrance, locally known as 'DuCamoru', showing that this place held meaning for people across centuries. They represent a connection between the ancient world and the medieval structure built later.
You can walk through the courtyard and climb the towers, though some areas may be narrow or uneven. Wear sturdy shoes and allow time to explore the different levels at a comfortable pace.
The outer walls once displayed a striking pattern of white and red rhomboids, a distinctive decorative design that lasted until recent decades. Today only traces remain of this original pattern, showing how the building's appearance has changed over time.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
