Lagnasco
Discover the history of Lagnasco
Lagnasco, known as Lagnasch in the Piedmontese language, is a municipality of around 1400 inhabitants located in the province of Cuneo, in Piedmont. Its history dates back to the medieval era, when its lands were entirely covered by forests and woods.
Castles of Lagnasco: an architectural treasure
Among the most important monuments in Lagnasco are the Castles of Lagnasco, including the Tapparelli d'Azeglio Castle. This castle, dating back to 1100, has been renovated over the centuries, particularly by the Tapparelli family branch, who considerably expanded it to the point where it can be visited and admired for its architectural splendor.
The architectural complex of the Tapparelli d'Azeglio Castle is characterized by a large inner courtyard defended on its sides by square towers. Inside, you can admire a Renaissance fresco cycle, the frescoes of the Shield Hall, enriched by a significant heraldic collection, and the loggia of magical grotesques, the fruit of Pietro Dolce's imagination, creator of imaginary creatures, monstrous fauna of that figurative and delirious world of typical northern painting in Bosch's style.
History of the Tapparelli d'Azeglio Castle
The name Lagnasco derives from the Latin "lignascum," which means an area covered by forests and woods, a feature still evident in this area until the early 1000s. The Tapparelli d'Azeglio Castle complex was originally a tower, the "torrazza," dating back to 1349 and which was expanded in the following centuries.
The Tapparelli family's lordship over the Lagnasco territory was consolidated around 1300, after the conclusion of continuous disputes with the Falletti family, co-owners of the place. The arrival of Amedeo VI of Savoy allowed the Tapparelli to become the sole owners of the Lagnasco fiefdom in exchange for financial transactions in favor of the Falletti. Amedeo VI imposed on them the motto "D'ACORD."
Visit to the Castles of Lagnasco
The visit to the Castles of Lagnasco is a unique experience to appreciate the municipality in all its historical beauty. Thanks to archeological excavations, it is possible to observe the medieval walls, the signs of drawbridges, and the moats, which were transformed into fishponds in the 1700s. In 1569-1572, the original dwelling underwent significant modifications and was transformed into a Renaissance residence, thanks to the commitment of Benedetto I Tapparelli.
During the visit to the Castles of Lagnasco, you can admire the corner towers of the architectural complex, an example of medieval art and be captivated by the beauty of the Renaissance fresco cycles. In particular, the Shield Hall is an example of refined heraldic taste. Not to be missed are the grotesques of the loggia, the result of Pietro Dolce's imagination, creator of imaginary creatures, monstrous fauna of that figurative and delirious world of typical northern painting in Bosch's style.
The history of Lagnasco in Piedmont
The history of Lagnasco tells the evolution of the Piedmont region from the Middle Ages to the present day, through the events of the Tapparelli family and the architectural complex of the Castles of Lagnasco. The Piedmontese territory, thanks to its geographical position, has always had great strategic importance, especially from the point of view of wars and military conquests.
Today, Lagnasco is a small gem of the province of Cuneo, a place where history and architectural beauty blend in a truly unique combination. The visit to the Castles of Lagnasco is an unmissable experience for a necessary discovery of the Piedmontese territory, rich in history and culture.
