Bardineto
The Castle of Bardineto: a Story to Discover
Hello everyone! Today I will talk about the Castle of Bardineto, a place that has seen many ups and downs over the centuries. Located in the Val Bormida, in the province of Savona, this castle is situated on a semi-elevated position compared to the fortified medieval village.
History and Description
Historical sources state that the first fortified village of Bardineto was built around the 13th century, along with the castle placed on the top, by the Marquises Del Carretto. This area was very important and strategic for the feudal family because it was located along a road that connected Albenga and Toirano, between the coastal area and Lower Piedmont.
The presence of the castle was documented in a notarial deed dated 1268. In this document, Giacomo Del Carretto, the Marquis, left to one of his sons, Antonio Del Carretto, the rights to the fortress and to the men of Bardineto. Another imperial diploma by Charles IV of Luxembourg - signed in 1355 - mentions the castle and the village on the occasion of the official investiture of Giorgio Del Carretto as Lord of Bardineto and other territories in the Bormida Valley.
The Del Carretto family kept control of the area, except for a brief period of domination by the Republic of Genoa (1713) and the Kingdom of Sardinia (1735), at least until the First French War of Independence.
During the battles that involved the territory, especially in the 18th and 19th centuries, the castle suffered significant damage. After the demolition of twelve sides of the high defensive wall caused by the Battle of Loano between the French and Austrian-Piedmontese armies in November 1795, the structure lost much of the protective wall.
Today, there are few traces left of the Castle of Bardineto. However, it is still possible to admire the statue of the Madonna del Castello, placed in the underlying Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Castle, and the characteristic Bell Tower, covered in bricks, which is part of the parish church of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Notes
The Castle of Bardineto was an important fortress over the centuries, known and appreciated for its strategic position.
Bibliography
To delve into the history of the Castle of Bardineto, you can consult the book "Castles of Liguria" edited by Flavio Conti.
Other Projects
If you are passionate about history and love visiting castles and fortresses, do not miss the opportunity to discover the Castle of Bardineto. A visit to this place will take you back in time, revealing the hidden beauty of Liguria.
