Nazzano Castle: A Medieval Fortification in Lombardy
Site at a Glance
- Rating
- 4.3
- Popularity
- Low
- Country
- Italy
- Primary era
- Medieval
- Eras represented
- Medieval, Modern
- Civilizations
- Holy Roman Empire
- Site type
- Military
- Remains
- Castle
On this page6 sections
History
Nazzano Castle is a medieval fortification in Italy, built in the eleventh century on the hill above Nazzano in Lombardy. Documents indicate that an earlier fortification may have occupied the site before the year 1000. Its position at the opening of the Staffora Valley gave it a role in controlling the Lombard salt road and access toward the sea.
Imperial grants and administration
In 1164, Frederick I, the twelfth-century Holy Roman Emperor also known as Frederick Barbarossa, assigned the castle to the Malaspina, the lords of the valley. In 1191, his son and successor, Emperor Henry VI, incorporated it into the Pavese domains of Oltrepò. Under this administration, Nazzano became the seat of a podesteria, an administrative jurisdiction governed by a podestà with civil and often judicial authority.
Feudal conflict and strategic control
From the thirteenth century until the beginning of the fifteenth century, the Sannazzaro controlled the castle. They were major Guelph feudal lords of Oltrepò. Guelphs supported the papacy in the political conflicts that divided medieval Italian communities, and the Sannazzaro were continually in conflict with the Beccaria, a prominent rival family in the area. Nazzano was also frequently disputed with nearby Voghera during this period.
The castle later passed to the Pusterla family. In 1360, Gian Galeazzo Visconti strengthened the fortification because of its strategic position beside the Lombard salt road. This route carried mule trains through the Staffora Valley to Genoa by way of Giovà Pass and Mount Antola. Together with the Fortress of Montalfeo, on the opposite bank of the Staffora a short distance away, Nazzano Castle helped control movement along this route.
Later ownership and restoration
In 1613, the castle passed to the Pavese counts Mezzabarba. The building was sold to the Rovereto marquises in 1712. Their complete restoration of 1905 transformed the castle in the neo-castellated style of the period, changing many architectural details and regularizing the masonry. The heirs of the Rovereto marquises remain in possession of the building. Nazzano Castle is recognized as Italian national heritage.
Remains
Nazzano Castle stands at approximately 350 meters above sea level on the hill above the village, where the Staffora Valley opens onto the plain. Built of brick, it is organized as a small fortress formed by a principal rectangular building and a tall square-plan tower attached to it. The castle is now within Rivanazzano Terme in the Province of Pavia.
Building and facade
The attached tower has a crenellated summit and a square plan, while the main building provides the castle’s rectangular body. On the facade, a large blind pointed arch encloses the entrance, beside a large window with a pointed arch. This combination is described as unusual in Lombardy. The 1905 restoration altered many details and regularized the masonry, and the building is currently in good condition.
