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The Castle of Fossano, symbol of the city, stands behind Via Roma and is now surrounded by a large square. Built in 1332 by the Acaja family for defense, it later became a residence under the House of Savoy around 1485. Over time, it evolved from a fortress with four towers and a moat to a noble palace.
Its courtyard shows layers of history: a 15th-century portico with Savoy symbols, remnants of frescoes, and a wing once used by the Duke. By the late 1600s, the castle was used as a prison, notably for Waldensians. The basements, kept cool by an ice house, were used for food storage and connected directly to the kitchens.
The Hall of Grotesques, painted by Flemish artist Giovanni Caracca in the late 1500s, features classical mythological figures, mottos, birds, and the ducal coats of arms. The towers and walkways, once wooden, are now stone and offer panoramic views of the city and Alps.
Since the 1980s, the castle hosts Fossano’s civic library and archive, preserving documents from the 13th century, including the “Green Book” and royal edicts. It also houses the Mario Vallauri collection, over 4,000 rare books on languages, medicine, and travel, accessible to scholars.
Today, the castle is a cultural landmark and hosts major events, including the historical “Giostra dell’Oca,” commemorating the 1585 visit of Charles Emmanuel I and Infanta Catherine Michelle.
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.