Unique place for a unique day Castello di Piovera in Piedmont:
The castle was built as a fortress to protect the territory in the 14th century on the earlier ruins of a Roman structure of Lombard and Carolingian origin (Castrum Pioperae). The castle was reconstructed in the 16th century and in the late Baroque era with new trends that, however, did not affect its original structure. It has retained its pristine appearance despite many military upheavals and attacks.
For two hundred years, Di Mandello governed the lands by order of first the Visconti and then the Sforza, both families being lords of the Duchy of Milan, of which Piovera became a part in 300. In the second half of the 500s, during Spanish rule, he was awarded the order of General Don Alvaro de Sande, thus opening this donation for the marquisate title (granted by King Philip II of Spain in 1573).
Around 1615, it passed to Don Carlo Homodeo, and in 1650 it was sold by the last son, Agostino, to the Genoese nobleman Francesco Maria Balbi. In 1713, after the War of the Spanish Succession, the Piovera estate was annexed to the territories of Vittorio Amedeo II of Savoy. The last feudal lord of Savoy—before feudal ownership as an institution disappeared—was Giacomo Francesco Maria Balbi, named in 1790 Vittorio Amedeo III.
The Balbi marquises, however, retained ownership of the castle and extensive agricultural land until the 20th century, carrying out significant restoration work that transformed the mighty 14th-century fortress into a majestic and romantic country house. The last heirs, the Doria and Odescalchi nobles, transferred it to its current owner and their cousin, Count Niccolò Calvi di Bergolo, in 1967. The latter created impressive and interesting historical-artistic routes inside the castle and in the garden, open to the public, accompanied by his charismatic presence.
In this castle, you can go truffle hunting, arrange a lunch or dinner, or go on a tour (the tour is conducted exclusively in English and Italian).
It is necessary to book the tour and any event in advance.
Also, in this castle, you can go through the fascinating quest: ‘The Genius of Leonardo’ dedicated to the secrets of Leonardo da Vinci.
You will have a unique and exciting experience in the majestic estate, immersing yourself in the history and art of Leonardo da Vinci, exploring the secrets and mysteries of the famous genius. Inside the castle, you will have to collect clues, solve puzzles, and decipher codes to unravel the mystery surrounding Leonardo and his artifacts. Challenge your creativity and logic, test your teamwork skills, and immerse yourself in the historical atmosphere of the castle, exploring the legends and mysteries surrounding this great inventor.
