Belgioioso
Belgioioso Castle: a 14th Century Jewel
Belgioioso Castle is a precious treasure located just a few kilometers from Pavia, in Lombardy. The castle was built in the 14th century when the Lord of Pavia acquired the property from the Cazabove family. Later, Galeazzo II Visconti rebuilt the castle in the second half of the 14th century with the goal of creating a hunting residence for his family.
The History of Belgioioso Castle
The castle was built in an area near the Via Francigena and a large forest that extended to the shores of the Po river. Due to its strategic location, the castle attracted many families who chose to settle in the area. The son of Galeazzo II, Gian Galeazzo Visconti, Lord and Governor of Milan, loved Belgioioso Castle and stayed there several times. The residence was so dear to him that in a letter dated December 22, 1393, he prohibited hunting for deer and any other game up to Bereguardo, Vigevano, and Abbiategrasso.
In 1397, Duke Gian Galeazzo Visconti offered to the people of Pavia the construction of a monastery, which later became the Certosa di Pavia. The Duke excluded from the donations to the Carthusians the huge Visconteo park near Visconteo Castle (Pavia), and the possessions of the castles of Bereguardo and Belgioioso.
In the 1940s, Count Pompeo Litta-Vegni, then owner of the castle, began a series of restorations and renovations that led to the creation of the current architectural design of the castle. After the count's death, the castle changed several owners until it was sold to the Capra family in 1987.
The Structure of Belgioioso Castle
Belgioioso Castle has a rectangular shape and measures about 100 meters on each side. The palace has three floors and features large windows with views of the surrounding countryside. The inner courtyard is surrounded by a porch and adorned with a well, while inside there are several decorable rooms, all restored. The castle also has a wonderful and well-kept park extending for several hundred hectares.
The park is used for various occasions such as weddings, ceremonies, events, and conferences, thanks to its proximity to Milan's airports. Belgioioso Castle is also used as a location for shows, historical reenactments, and art exhibitions.
The Future of Belgioioso Castle
The Capra family has invested a lot of time and money in the restoration and renovation of the castle, preserving its beauty and history. The castle has become a tourist and cultural attraction, visited by thousands of tourists every year. The family continues to promote the castle and make it available for various activities and events, maintaining its beauty and historical charm intact for future generations.
Conclusions
Belgioioso Castle is a jewel of medieval architecture that represents the history and beauty of the Pavia and Lombardy regions. Thanks to the commitment and passion of the Capra family, the castle has been restored and made accessible to become a tourist and cultural attraction. Visiting it means taking a journey into the history and beauty of medieval art. The castle represents a precious resource for Italian cultural heritage.
