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.

Comments

Your name



Details

Founded: 1176
Category: Castles and fortifications in Italy

Rating

4.3/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

roberta merola (4 months 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 (6 months 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 (2 years ago)
It is a marvel, it must be valued and made known for its beauty and history.
Beppe Ceccon (3 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 (3 years ago)
A lovely place!
Powered by Google

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Historic Site of the week

Trencín Castle

Trenčín Castle is relatively large renovated castle, towering on a steep limestone cliff directly above the city of Trenčín. It is a dominant feature not only of Trenčín, but also of the entire Považie region. The castle is a national monument.

History of the castle cliff dates back to the Roman Empire, what is proved by the inscription on the castle cliff proclaiming the victory of Roman legion against Germans in the year 179.

Today’s castle was probably built on the hill-fort. The first proven building on the hill was the Great Moravian rotunda from the 9th century and later there was a stone residential tower, which served to protect the Kingdom of Hungary and the western border. In the late 13th century the castle became a property of Palatine Matúš Csák, who became Mr. of Váh and Tatras.

Matúš Csák of Trenčín built a tower, still known as Matthew’s, which is a dominant determinant of the whole building.