Castelbelforte
Welcome to Castelbelforte: a brief introduction
Hello everyone and welcome to Castelbelforte! This beautiful Italian commune is located in the province of Mantua, in Lombardy, and has a population of about 3239 inhabitants. Its history dates back to the 12th century, when two contested towers were built by the Veronese and Mantuans. Later, the Castello di Castelbelforte was built by the inhabitants of Mantua in the 14th century, giving life to the village that took the name of CASTELBONAFISSO. Throughout the centuries, the village has undergone many hardships, serving as an advanced defensive post against the Scaligeri.
The history of Castelbelforte
The village of Castelbelforte has been the subject of numerous battles and wars between the 12th and 20th centuries. In 1520, the inhabitants of the place requested direct intervention from the Marquis of Mantua in order to cope with the disasters caused by frequent military looting; the request speaks of raids guilty of having reduced the population to such a miserable condition that they could no longer even afford the expenses of local charges. Later, the village took the name of "DUE CASTELLI" (in dialect "CASTEI"), a title still used today throughout the Mantuan and Veronese territories.
In the 19th century, the city experienced difficult moments during the period of Austrian domination. Basilicà, Bonisoli and Boselli were the first conspirators. Boselli, in particular, was a humble butcher who brought hidden orders to the Belfiore conspirators every morning in the shafts of his rickety wagon. In 1848, the Austrians settled in the border territory and defeated the local population. However, thanks to the help of the Bersaglieri, Castelbelforte managed to defeat the Austrian oppressors. This historical episode went down in history as the "INNO DI MAMELI".
When Lombardy returned to Italy in 1859, Castelbelforte marked not the border of a province or region, but even of the Kingdom of Italy. This event marked the beginning of a new era for the country.
What to visit in Castelbelforte?
If you want to visit Castelbelforte, you cannot miss the Castello di Castelbelforte. This impressive structure was built in the 14th century by the inhabitants of Mantua and was the hub of village life for centuries. Its architecture is characterized by a solid geometry that took shape around the castle.
From the top of its walls, you can observe the entire surrounding territory and enjoy breathtaking views. Inside the castle, on the other hand, you can admire a vast collection of works of art and historical documents that tell the story of the village.
Castelbelforte is also famous for its numerous festivals and fairs that take place throughout the year. Among these, I recommend not to miss the Fiera del Patrono, which takes place in November, and the Festa della Birra, scheduled in the summer. Additionally, you cannot miss tasting the traditional dishes of the area, such as risotto cake, cotechino and zampone, polenta and cheese di fossa.
Conclusions
In summary, Castelbelforte is a charming and rich in history commune that is worth visiting. You can admire the Castello di Castelbelforte, discover local traditions and taste typical dishes of the area. Additionally, you can participate in the numerous festivals and fairs that take place throughout the year and learn about the history of the village. We are waiting for you in Castelbelforte for an unforgettable visit!
