Martinengo castle, dominating the gulf of Sensole, is one of the most characteristic monuments of the Monte Isola island.
The tower was probably built already in the 12th-13th centuries, around which the Oldofredi family from Iseo built the current structure during the 14th century. The quadrangular enclosure shows the sharp corners in the curtain wall towards the lake, naturally protected by the rocky wall, while the corners facing inland are reinforced by two round towers. In the west there is the entrance preceded by a ravelin (external fortification to protect the door) with a drawbridge.
The fortress was purchased during the 15th century by the Martinengo family who transformed it into a residential building. Large 16th century windows with Sarnico stone moulded frames were traced on the walls, once devoid of openings. The entrance was also embellished by a grey sandstone ashlar portal framed by two pillar strips supporting a striking entablature with the inscription “EX ALTO”.
The Martinengo family did not live for long in the fortress, which already fell into disrepair towards the end of the 17th Century. The castle, now abandoned, was taken over by the Salvadego family in the first half of the 19th Century and then purchased in the 1960s by the Mascheroni family of Monza who restored it whilst preserving the ancient structures.
References:The Château de Foix dominates the town of Foix. An important tourist site, it is known as a centre of the Cathars. Built on an older 7th-century fortification, the castle is known from 987. In 1002, it was mentioned in the will of Roger I, Count of Carcassonne, who bequeathed the fortress to his youngest child, Bernard. In effect, the family ruling over the region were installed here which allowed them to control access to the upper Ariège valley and to keep surveillance from this strategic point over the lower land, protected behind impregnable walls.
In 1034, the castle became capital of the County of Foix and played a decisive role in medieval military history. During the two following centuries, the castle was home to Counts with shining personalities who became the soul of the Occitan resistance during the crusade against the Albigensians.