Frassinello Monferrato
Exploring the Castle of Frassinello Monferrato
Would you like to go back in time and visit an ancient castle in northern Italy? Frassinello Monferrato could be the right place for you. This beautiful town with around 500 inhabitants is located in the province of Alessandria, in Piedmont. One of the most important monuments in the area is definitely the Castle of Frassinello, a thousand-year-old building that has undergone numerous transformations over the centuries.
The Castle of Frassinello: a millennial history
The Castle of Frassinello is located on the top of the town and has great historical importance. The first traces of its existence date back to the 11th century, as shown by the royal charter of Henry III which mentions "cum castro et corte et cappella". Initially, the castle had a military function of defending the Monferrato village. Over time, however, the structure underwent numerous modifications until it became a noble residence.
Throughout the centuries, the castle was owned by the noble House of Nemours, Counts of Frassinello, lords of Lignano and Knights of Malta. During the 17th and 18th centuries, the family made several improvements to the building, such as the construction of the finely frescoed octagonal chapel. In 1945, the castle was sold to private individuals and more recently has undergone significant restoration works to bring it back to its ancient glory.
Exploring the Castle
The Castle of Frassinello is an architectural marvel worth visiting. The structure is imposing and features a beautiful brick facade and a stone tower. Inside, there are several wonderfully charming rooms, like the Caminata, a large late Gothic room with exquisite arches and a large fireplace, which represented the convivial meeting place around the fire for lords and vassals.
Another noteworthy room is the hall of honor, where a coat of arms still present in the magnificent mosaic floor highlights the symbols of both houses. The armory, on the other hand, houses several ancient armor and swords used by knights of the time. Finally, the chapel reserved for the House of Nemours is a jewel of sacred art.
The Castle of Lignano
Not far from Frassinello Monferrato lies another remarkable castle: the Castle of Lignano. It is one of the oldest buildings in the area and is a great attraction for tourists. The castle is currently partially occupied by agricultural and wine-making activities, but its history dates back to the Roman era.
The first building was almost certainly a defense "castrum" dating back to the Roman period and testified by the inscription that bears the name of Lucio Herennio, called "Lhennuis", which still gives the castle its name. Over the centuries, the castle has been rebuilt and modified many times until it reached its current configuration, which partly dates back to the 12th century.
Conclusions
Frassinello Monferrato and its two castles are undoubtedly an interesting destination for those who want to discover the history and architecture of the Piedmont region. Both the Castle of Frassinello and the Castle of Lignano are open to visitors and represent a must-see stop for castle, architecture, and history enthusiasts. Choose Frassinello Monferrato for your next excursion and you will not be disappointed by the beauty and charm of these places.
