Frascarolo Castle, Frascarolo, Italy

The Castello di Frascarolo (Frascarolo castle) or of Medici of Marignano is on the hill on a dominating position between Ganna and Ceresio valleys.

It is believed the castle is from the early Middle Ages, perhaps the work of the Longobards, but it’s only documented in 1160 when Archbishop of Milan Oberto da Pirovano upheld a valid resistance to the advancing inhabitants of Como looking to conquer the Varese area. However, it’s possible that the castle was only a rural fort back then.

Starting in the 12th century, it was the property of the Abbey of Ganna (or Abbey of San Gemolo in Ganna Valley), and followed destiny and plunders including the one by the Swiss Unterwalden from Mendrisio in 1511; it was purchased by Marquis of Marignano Gian Battista Medici in 1543. It was precisely with the advent of the noble Medici family that the castle was renovated and embellished. Over the centuries, it lost its defensive physiognomy to become a typical 16th-century residence.

The castle and its massive walls flaunt a mighty 15th-century tower with a rusticated portal, courtyard with a loggia, and an adjacent section built in the 16th century when it became an exclusive dwelling. The entrance hall preceded by a boulevard and large stretches of meadow inside certainly belong to another period.

The castle is still private property and cannot be toured without specific permission.

References:

lagomaggiore.net

User Reviews

franco53 Forzainter53 (6 years ago)
quello che non mi è piaciuto è l'impossibilità di entrare essendo un castello abitato e privato e per il quale non si conosce gli eventuali giorni di apertura al pubblico quello che si vede da fuori è molto troppo poco

Petra Scholl-Wiere (6 years ago)
Optisch schön. Kann leider nicht besichtigt werden. Ist ein bißchen ärgerlich, wenn man dafür viele Kilometer fährt, da das Castle bei Google als Sehenswürdigkeit angepriesen wird.

Adriano Monopoli (7 years ago)
Peccato non sia visitabile, dal momento che il luogo e' privato. Comunque bel posto tranquillo. Da osservare anche la casa con affreschi e stemma Mediceo sulla facciata. Bella la passeggiata fra i boschi dei dintorni.

Egor Guffanti (7 years ago)
Do solo 2 stelle a questo maniero per i seguenti motivi. Innanzitutto è privato, non ci sono indicazioni in merito e i suoi proprietari sono restii a farlo visitare. Forse la provincia di Varese dovrebbe intervenire. Cmq sbirciando in giro ho potuto carpire un ottimo potenziale. Peccato che non sia visitabile.

Matteo Oliviero (7 years ago)
Amazing

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Photo from Flickr, copyright Andy Hay

Historic Site of the week

Argos Theater

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.

Frascarolo Castle

Address

Details

More Information

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

Argos Theater