Castello Grimani-Sorlini, Montegalda, Italy

The undisputed symbol of Montegalda is the ancient castle which dominates the entire plain, one lucky survivor of the three manors, two of which stood in Montegaldella and Cervarese S. Croce. The building changed over the years and in the 18th century it was transformed from a military facility into a Venetian villa. Its foundation dates back probably to 1176 but in the courtyard a foundation of the Roman period was found, which anticipates that construction. The castle is undoubtedly impressive, marked by three towers, a keep and the crenellated ring-shaped walls of the Guelph form, which would host the famous 'trabocchetto' (trap door) to thwart the invaders. After the tyrant Ezzelino da Romano in 1300, the domain of the castle passed to the dominion of the Scala family of Verona and later, in 18th century it was transformed into a Venetian villa. The castle of Montegalda now seems to have regained its former glory thanks to a meticulous restoration, reflecting the still incredible charm and mystery.

Castles and fortifications in Italy

User Reviews

roberta merola (2 years ago)
I came to visit the castle and on their website it was written that today they would be open from 10 to 12, bitter surprise, after a long journey we found it closed. It didn't take much to update the site.

Tiberiu T (2 years ago)
It is open in the second and last Sunday of the month, in the morning, only for at least 10 people, 20 EUR/person. I wasn't lucky to know and I missed the second Sunday.

Claudio Tonello (3 years ago)
It is a marvel, it must be valued and made known for its beauty and history.

Beppe Ceccon (4 years ago)
Beautiful structure which in fact is an example of stratification of interventions from the third century (it seems) to the Renaissance. Congratulations to the owner who takes care of such a place.

mirella Falchi (4 years ago)
A lovely place!

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Photo from Flickr, copyright Infomastern

Historic Site of the week

Visby Cathedral

Visby Cathedral (also known as St. Mary’s Church) is the only survived medieval church in Visby. It was originally built for German merchants and inaugurated in 1225. Around the year 1350 the church was enlarged and converted into a basilica. The two-storey magazine was also added then above the nave as a warehouse for merchants.

Following the Reformation, the church was transformed into a parish church for the town of Visby. All other churches were abandoned. Shortly after the Reformation, in 1572, Gotland was made into its own Diocese, and the church designated its cathedral.

There is not much left of the original interior. The font is made of local red marble in the 13th century. The pulpit was made in Lübeck in 1684. There are 400 graves under the church floor.

Castello Grimani-Sorlini

Address

Details

Rating

Interesting Sites Nearby

User Reviews

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Finest Norman castles in Italy

Exploring the History of Northern Poland

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Historic Site of the week

Visby Cathedral