Due to its privileged position, the Castello Visconti di San Vito (Visconti of San Vito castle) in Massino Visconti has a fantastic view over Lake Maggiore. It was originally built as a convent for the monks in San Gallo and then in just over a century, became the country residence of the Visconti family.
History of the Castello di Massino Visconti
The Castello di Massino Visconti (Massino Visconti castle) was entrusted to Guido Ottone Visconti in 1139, who became its feudal lord; the castle was the family’s first small fortress.
In 1358, Galeazzo Visconti, who was at war with the Marquis of Monferrato, had all the castles in the Vergante area destroyed. Perhaps the fortresses in Massino Visconti were different and possibly Galeazzo’s fury didn’t flatten everything to the ground. It is known for certain that another local castle, Castellaccio, was destroyed. Even if the Visconti castle was partially saved, the structure seen today is the result of several renovations performed in the 16th century.
The Visconti family sold the castle in 1863 to a branch of the family – the Visconti from San Vito – who are still the co-proprietors together with Marchesa Ludovica Visconti.
Layout of the Castello di Massino Visconti
A tower is on the side of the castle facing the church; it has been extensively modified, and its walls are interrupted by a portal bearing the Visconti coat of arms. Behind the wall on the right is another building perhaps obtained from a corner tower.
The middle tower (or keep) is the only part of the complex to have a sturdy defensive structure: there is a cell on the ground floor and a covered cistern outside. Crossing the main door of a building set against the keep leads to the little courtyard of the lords, over which buildings from the 17th-18th centuries look. Close to the courtyard is a small balcony facing town, usually used by the Visconti to speak to the village inhabitants.
With the passing of time, the role of the castle became that of a rich, exclusive residence, while its defensive role as a fortress increasingly diminished. Today Castello Visconti di San Vito (which is still private property) is used as a location for events, weddings and other occasions.
Photo gallery Castello di Massino Visconti
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