CASOTTO CASTLE, A SLEEPING BEAUTY HAS AWAKEN
On the road that goes from Valcasotto to Garessio, you will find the magnificent Casotto Castle, the Savoy Royal Palace built by Carlo Alberto on the remains of an ancient monastery and used on many occasions by Vittorio Emanuele II during his hunting trips. For many years the castle was considered the “sleeping beauty” in the woods, but it has finally been re-opened and can be visited. To book a visit or for more information on opening hours please contact: 347 8386179 or 347 6327959
YOUR VISIT
Casotto Castle is made up of three large wings overlooking a porticoed courtyard bordered by walls. Nearby, you will also find other historic buildings such as the Correria (The place where the laymen lived.) and the Cascina del Seccatoio (chestnut drying house). Along the walls of the first-floor, you can admire paintings that the House of Savoy transferred directly from the Royal Castle in Turin as well as from Agliè Castle: including important figures of the House of Savoy as well as mythological and ancient world figures. The bright and sunny chamber of the Crown Prince, future King Umberto I, is located at the end of the left wing. It is one of the most beautiful and complete rooms of the whole castle.
THE HISTORY
From monastery to hunting lodge. The ancient charterhouse was founded by Carthusian monks in 1172, in an isolated place suitable for prayer and meditation. Destroyed several times by fires and rebuilt, it was transformed into its current form by architect Bernardo Vittone starting in 1754. After the Napoleonic suppression of religious orders, in 1837 the complex was acquired by King Carlo Alberto and used as a hunting lodge. It was here that Vittorio Emanuele II organized impressive hunting expeditions and Princess Maria Clotilde spent her summers. The castle remained the property of the royal family until 1881 when it was sold to private individuals before being acquired by the Region of Piemonte. Even today, fragments of Court life can be seen in the bedrooms that retain their original furniture, as well as in the king’s kitchens.
TO LISTEN IN ITALIAN TO A RAI RADIO 3 SPECIAL SEGMENT ON THE WONDERS OF CASOTTO CASTLE CLICK HERE
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THE MAP
Useful links:
Information on Casotto Castle is also found on the official website, Piedmont Regione,and on the official website for the Municipality of Garessio, Comune di Garessio
Garessio Tourism Office
