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.

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Address

Via Castello 19, Montegalda, Italy
See all sites in Montegalda

Details

Founded: 1176
Category: Castles and fortifications in Italy

Rating

4.3/5 (based on Google user reviews)

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User Reviews

Mariano Dalla pria (7 months ago)
Luogo bellissimo, pieno di storia e impregnato di antico.. Ben tenuto, sempre in ordine e con una manutenzione costante e affezionata.. Peccato sia chiuso al pubblico tranne che per i giardini inglesi con relativo labirinto.. Si vede de da ogni direzione cui si arriva a montegalda
Michele Zanchetta (9 months ago)
Ho trovato il castello chiuso il 14/10/18, anche se risultava aperto, delusione soprattutto per i bimbi. Non posso recensire il castello, ma l'amministrazione lascia veramente a desiderare. Se usate google per farvi conoscere abbiate l'accortezza e la correttezza di aggiornare gli orari/date di apertura.
Lella Gori (9 months ago)
Castello ben conservato trasformato in villa. Il giardino all'italiana è molto curato. Decine di piante di limoni fanno bella mostra di sé sia nei giardini che nella limonaia. Un complimento particolare va alla guida, una volontaria che ha raccontato con estrema chiarezza e passione la storia del castello.
Saburo Sakaj (11 months ago)
La costruzione inizia nel 1176 nella forma di fortezza militare. Nella prima metà del '200 il Castello viene conquistato da Ezzelino III da Romano, mentre nel 1266 il Castello passa ai padovani e, in seguito, alla potente famiglia scaligera della Scala, signori di Verona (lo stemma è una scala a pioli ancora presente) che hanno realizzato la nuova torre castellana con l'attuale ponte levatoio del '300, perfettamente conservato e ancora funzionante. Alla fine del '300 il Castello diventa proprietà della famiglia Visconti, signori di Milano e poi dal 1404 con il dominio della Repubblica Serenissima di Venezia, il Castello perde la funzione militare per diventare una villa nobiliare. A metà del '400 il Castello viene donato alla famiglia vicentina Chiericati per essere poi ceduto nei secoli successivi alle nobili famiglie veneziane Contarini, Donà, Grimani e Marcello. Il Castello di Montegalda diventa all'epoca la loro residenza estiva. Le stanze interne conservano tuttora affreschi di Andrea Urbani, pittore paesaggista e decoratore veneziano del '700, mentre le statue del castello sono della bottega di Orazio Marinali, scultore vicentino. La famiglia Sorlini, attuale proprietaria del Castello, acquista il complesso a metà degli anni '70 e dopo un accurato restauro riporta il castello al suo antico splendore. il castello è visitabile su appuntamento. Da non dimenticare il parco di notevoli dimensioni.
Marco Miotti (14 months ago)
Il castello è di proprietà privata ed è visitabile solo in rarissime occasioni con visite guidate e a numero chiuso, ci si arriva a piedi in pochi minuti dal centro di Montegalda. Molto ben curato e bello il giardino all'italiana dinanzi all'entrata principale. Notevole anche il parco nel quale ci si immerge procedendo lungo la strada d'accesso, con i suoi molti alberi secolari è di sicuro un'altra piacevole sorpresa di questo luogo. Purtroppo del castello abbiamo potuto visitare solo la cappella e le tre stanze sulla destra della piazza d'armi, molto belli gli affreschi al loro interno.
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