The imposing Castle of Gabiano, one of the largest and oldest in the Monferrato area, stands in a dominant position on the Po valley. Always a place of important economic and strategic importance, the manor has been the protagonist of sieges and wars. The first historical documents regarding the castle date back to the seventh century. In 1164 Frederick I granted the feudal investiture to William II of Monferrato. The fief passed to the Montiglio family, then to Ferdinando Gonzaga and then to Ferdinando di Mantova, who ceded it to Agostino Durazzo Pallavicini in 1622 granting him the title of Marquis of Gabiano.
In 1908 he began the restoration of the castle, completed by the Marquess Matilde Durazzo Pallavicini, becoming subsequently the seat of an important cultural and oenological activity under the impetus of the Marquess Carlotta Cattaneo Adorno.
Today the work is continued by the current owners, who after a careful restructuring respectful of history and the environment continue the work of high quality wine production with passion and determination. The Castle opens its rooms for lovers of stays devoted to charm and elegance: recently restored, furnished and enriched with modern comforts, the suites have a living room with fireplace, kitchenette and rooms with four-poster beds, with magnificent views on the castle and on the landscape. Outside, among Italian gardens and walls with ancient history, a swimming pool to relax and an ancient park where you can get lost in the romantic paths.
In the heart of the park there is also a labyrinth, historical monument, among the very few documented historical Piedmontese gardens, designed in the '1930s by architect Lamberto Cusani.The strong oenological tradition of the territory finds one of its main protagonists in the Castello winery. The wine matures in the cellars dating back to 1200, where one of the oldest Italian DOC stands out: the Gabiano Riserva 'A Matilde Giustiniani', obtained from the bunches of a vineyard that the Princess herself had started.
At the Emporio del Castello you can buy the selections and reserves of the wines produced here, while a few steps away the tasting room is the perfect location for thematic tasting itineraries.
References:The ancient Argos Theater was built in 320 BC. and is located in Argos, Greece against Larissa Hill. Nearby from this site is Agora, Roman Odeon, and the Baths of Argos. The theater is one of the largest architectural developments in Greece and was renovated in ca 120 AD.
The Hellenistic theater at Argos is cut into the hillside of the Larisa, with 90 steps up a steep incline, forming a narrow rectilinear cavea. Among the largest theaters in Greece, it held about 20,000 spectators and is divided by two landings into three horizontal sections. Staircases further divide the cavea into four cunei, corresponding to the tribes of Argos A high wall was erected to prevent unauthorized access into the theatron and may have helped the acoustics, but it is said the sound quality is still very good today.
Around 120 CE, both theaters were renovated in the Roman style.