CASTLE

CASTLE
Tuesday-Friday 3pm – 6pm
Additional openings on events or exhibitions.
info: www.comune.casale-monferrato.al.it
0142-444.330
The Castle of Casale was built by the Marquis of Monferrato Giovanni II Paleologo in the early second half of 1300. Originally the fortress developed around the courtyard which faces the present square. It was signifi cantly modifi ed in the late 1400s and early 1500s, with the addition of a second courtyard, when Casale became the Capital of Monferrato. The castle became the permanent residence of the court. More changes were made by Guglielmo Gonzaga, Duke of Mantua and Lord of Monferrato, long angled curtain walls were added giving the castle its hexagonal shape, still visible today.
The western towers were rebuilt in the early 18th century, but only internally.
The casemated ravelins and the external glacis were demolished between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century.
Their demolition enabled the creation of a bigger square.
The castle is one of the most complete examples of architectural evolution related to the technological development of artillery. The Castle and the impressive Citadel, built by Vincenzo I Gonzaga but demolished a long time ago, are remembered in the 27th chapter of “I Promessi Sposi” because of the several sieges in the 17th century.