Best castles around Lombardore are rooted in the region's history as a fortified settlement, known as "Castrum Longobardorum" around the 10th century. Remnants of the ricetto and medieval walls offer insight into the town's defensive past. Two original access gates to the fortified village are still visible, showcasing Lombardore's strategic importance. The current Town Hall is situated on the site of the former castle, reflecting continuous historical occupation.
Last updated: May 2, 2026
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Small fortified village belonging to the Municipality of San Carlo. Noteworthy is the church of Santa Maria Maddalena and the small castle, the latter built for defensive purposes. The first information about this small village dates back to the year 1000.
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Castle born, as often happens, for defensive purposes in the thirteenth century and belonged to the Biandrate family for centuries. At the moment, after being converted into a country residence, it is owned by the Municipality and houses its offices.
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Built in the 14th century by Martino di San Martino, lord of Rivarolo and Agliè. The castle was the scene of clashes between the family that owned it and the Valperga family. It is surrounded by a large park and today, owned by the Municipality of Rivarolo, it hosts numerous cultural events
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Ancient festival of VOLPIANO held in the historic center near the castle 🏰 taking up the uses and traditions of the medieval period 🏰
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The historical sites around Lombardore are rooted in its past as a fortified settlement. You'll find remnants of the ricetto (a medieval collective fortification), portions of medieval walls, and original access gates. The current Town Hall is also situated on the site of the former castle, showcasing how these strategic locations have been adapted over time. These sites offer insight into medieval communal life and defensive architecture, rather than grand, intact castles.
Visitors often enjoy exploring La Piè di Liramo Fortified Hamlet and Church of Santa Maria Maddalena, a historical site dating back to the year 1000 with a small fortified village and a defensive castle. Another notable spot is Foglizzo Castle, a 13th-century defensive castle that now houses municipal offices. Malgrà Castle, built in the 14th century and surrounded by a large park, also hosts cultural events.
Yes, several historical sites around Lombardore are considered family-friendly. For instance, Foglizzo Castle and Malgrà Castle are suitable for families. Additionally, the Volpiano Medieval Festival, held in the historic center near a castle, offers a family-friendly experience by recreating medieval uses and traditions.
The area around Lombardore is great for outdoor activities. You can find various routes for hiking, gravel biking, and running. For hiking, popular options include the 'Volpiano Vauda Park Loop' or the 'Vauda Nature Reserve Trail from Lombardore'. If you're into gravel biking, there are challenging routes like the 'Chapel of San Ferreolo – ROCCA CANAVESE loop'. You can explore more options on the Hiking around Lombardore, Gravel biking around Lombardore, and Running Trails around Lombardore guide pages.
Absolutely. The region offers several hiking trails that can be combined with visits to historical sites. You can explore trails like the 'Volpiano Vauda Park Loop' or the 'Vauda Nature Reserve Trail from Lombardore'. These trails vary in difficulty, with many being moderate. For detailed information and more routes, check out the Hiking around Lombardore guide.
The best time to visit Lombardore's historical sites is generally during spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October). The weather is pleasant for exploring the outdoor remnants and walking the nearby trails. Summer can be warm, while winter offers a different, quieter atmosphere, though some outdoor activities might be limited by colder temperatures.
For a focused visit to the main historical remnants like the ricetto and medieval walls in Lombardore itself, a few hours should suffice. If you plan to visit specific castles like La Piè di Liramo, Foglizzo Castle, or Malgrà Castle, allow for half a day per site, especially if you wish to explore their surroundings or attend any events.
The ricetto in Lombardore refers to the remains of a typical collective fortification from the Middle Ages in Piedmont. It served as a protected complex where villagers could store provisions and seek refuge during sieges. The remnants of Lombardore's ricetto and medieval walls offer a tangible link to the town's defensive past and its origins as a Lombard stronghold, providing valuable insight into medieval communal life.
Yes, the area offers some scenic spots. For example, near Foglizzo, you can find a View of the Castle and the Church of Santa Maria Maddalena, which provides a picturesque perspective of the historical structures.
Lombardore and its surrounding towns offer various options for dining and accommodation. You'll find local cafes and restaurants where you can experience Piedmontese cuisine. For overnight stays, there are hotels and guesthouses in the vicinity, catering to different preferences and budgets.
The historical remnants in Lombardore, such as the ricetto and medieval walls, are integrated into the town's fabric and are generally accessible for viewing. However, as these are ancient structures, some areas might have uneven terrain or steps. Specific accessibility for individual sites like Foglizzo Castle (now a municipal office) or Malgrà Castle may vary, so it's advisable to check with the specific venue if you have particular accessibility needs.
The historical sites around Lombardore are unique because they tell the story of a region that was a fortified settlement, known as 'Castrum Longobardorum.' Unlike grand, preserved castles, Lombardore's sites, including the ricetto and medieval walls, offer a glimpse into the practical defensive architecture and communal life of the Middle Ages. They highlight the continuous historical occupation and adaptation of strategic sites, with some ancient structures now serving modern purposes like the Town Hall.


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