Barengo
Barengo Castle: a medieval history
Barengo Castle stands on a hill, close to the plain, along the historic Francigena Way. Its foundation dates back to the 14th century, but there are no certain documentations on how it was born. It is known that the village of Barengo was moved close to the hill to protect itself from the wars between Giovanni II of Monferrato and Galeazzo II Visconti.
The fortress was built in the second half of the 15th century, simultaneously with Briona Castle, when the territories of Briona, Barengo, and Maggiora became fiefs of the Tornielli. Count Giovanni Zanardo started the construction, which was then continued by his son Melchiorre. The building, almost entirely made of bricks, had a trapezoidal plan with the east and west sides parallel and the south one inclined to enjoy more sunlight. The entrance was on the northeast, protected by a moat and a drawbridge.
After Melchiorre's death, the property was divided among the younger children. Throughout the centuries, the original structure underwent many modifications and alterations, until it was partially in ruins during the 19th century. In 1849, it underwent a restoration work that changed its original layout.
The reconstruction of the complex
After World War I, the castle passed to the Tornielli di Borgolavezzaro family, who commissioned the architect Carlo Nigra for the reconstruction of the complex according to the stylistic canons of the Middle Ages. Further restorations were carried out later by the Boroli family, the current owners.
Despite the reconstructions, there are still many testimonies of the original construction, such as the walls of the ramparts, the foundations, and some entrance doors. On the southern side, enclosed by the perimeter walls, there is a large garden with secular plants.
The Tornielli villa
Barengo Castle also includes a villa-palace that was once the residence of the cadet branch of the Tornielli. The building has a rectangular shape, with three floors and a large central courtyard. On the eastern side, there is a porch formed by three bays, while in the southeast corner, there is a small dovecote tower. The current appearance is mainly due to 18th-century restoration interventions.
Conclusion
Barengo Castle is a historical monument that tells the medieval history of the area. Its construction dates back to the 15th century, and throughout the centuries, it underwent many modifications. Today, it has been restored according to the stylistic canons of the Middle Ages. The Tornielli villa, annexed to the castle complex, represents the most luxurious side, with its elegant forms and the porch that offers a panoramic view of the hill. Barengo Castle has become now a tourist destination for those who want to immerse themselves in the history of the region and enjoy a panoramic view of the plain.
