Castello Sannazzaro di Giarole

Giarole Castle was founded following a “Diploma” of the Emperor Federico Barbarossa, which, in 1163, authorised four knights of the Sannazzaro family to build a castle”… wherever they wanted on their estates”. The first documents describe it at the eastern borders of the marquisate of Monferrato in the second half of the 13th century and from that moment on it has always been the property of the Sannazzaro family, with a single exception: in 1338, it was occupied by the Paleologo in the war against the Visconti of Milan. The castle has undergone transformations and restorations in various eras: the oldest wing is the southeast wing overlooking the 14th century Church of San Giacomo. In this part, the remains of the drawbridge, a 15th century mullioned window and a tower with Gothic windows are still clearly visible. The southern wing, towards the village surrounded by a moat, underwent important works in the second half of the 18th century, while the most important restoration was carried out in the mid-19th century with the intervention of Turin artists such as Paolo Emilio Morgari, Andrea Gastaldi and Bartolomeo Giuliano. In this phase, the neo-Gothic windows were added and the north side and watchtower were raised, the gable roof was replaced with a Ghibelline battlements roof. The frescoes of the entrance hall and ballroom were added as well as the wallpaper to decorate the main bedrooms. The castle has hosted famous people at various time such as: the Gonzaga princes, in the mid-18th century the Kings of Sardegna, Carlo Emanuele III and his future son Vittorio Amedeo III, in 1859 the King of Italy Vittorio Emanuele II and the Emperor of France Napoleon III, in 1911 HRH Prince Emanuele Filiberto di Savoia Duke of Aosta. The visit starts from the 14th century Church of San Giacomo, which is home to paintings and frescoes of the 16th century, and continues with the entrance and the inner courtyard that gives access to the large entrance hall with its neo-Gothic frescoes. Next comes the baroque music room, filled with antiques and family heirlooms. Climbing the main staircase, also neo-Gothic, gives access to the antechamber and ballroom, richly decorated in the 19th century with the frescoes of the vault that recall the figure of the young painter from Turin Grosso who died here. On the outside, you can enjoy the garden with a large English-style park and the important century-old trees. One of the most particular settings that needs to be mentioned is surely the wardrobe, which still maintains its original use and which is home to a small collection of irons of various ages. Sannazzaro Castle can be rented for private events and weddings; inside there are several bedrooms with Bed & Breakfast service. The Sannazzaro Castle of Giarole is part of the Castelli Aperti event.