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Proh Castle (locally pronounced prü) is located in the plains of the Proh hamlet in Briona, near the Novara hills.
Built in the mid-15th century by Francesco Sforza, the castle likely had no military purpose, as nearby strategic castles already existed in Briona, Barengo, and Castellazzo. The site had earlier fortifications by the Counts of Biandrate, but those were destroyed in 1362.
In the 15th century, Proh Castle passed to the Tornielli family, later occupied by Ludovico il Moro’s troops in 1495. Over the centuries, it changed owners multiple times: the Caccia (1597), the Cattaneo (1672), the Fantoni (1800s), and Count Arese Lucini. Since 1917, it has belonged to the Marelli family of Milan.
The rectangular castle, with two round corner towers and once surrounded by a moat, has been modified over time. It was restored in 1960, preserving original features like machicolations and the main tower.
Since 2020, the castle has been under the care of Fondazione UniversiCà, which is transforming it into a multimedia cultural site. The Marelli family granted a 25-year lease for this purpose. Restoration efforts included structural repairs, improved access, new facilities, and the creation of an immersive multimedia exhibit.
In 2025, the castle officially opened to the public with tours of its halls and rural park, combining history with modern interactive experiences.