Best castles around Carrosio are found in a region characterized by its hilly landscape and historical significance in Piedmont, Italy. This area offers a blend of natural scenery and architectural heritage, with historical records indicating a fort once stood in Carrosio itself. The castles near Carrosio provide insights into local history and strategic importance, often situated in picturesque settings.
Last updated: July 1, 2026
Highlight • Castle
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Castle
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Castle
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
departure from Dario's bar (unfortunately we didn't meet him but the guy there was simply very kind) and collection of credentials
0
0
Castle with a turret and it is the element that immediately stands out. Perfectly renovated together with the surrounding mansions, it is a distinctive feature. American families who choose Borlasca for its tranquility and seek privacy often spend the summer there. But the trait d'union is evident, because it is a piece, the most recent, of a well-known story. On the website of the Isola del Cantone Cultural Center it is said that Giorgio Ruggerone wrote a book about Borlasca, published posthumously. The chapter on emigrants is of particular interest for obtaining some information on the castle with the turret: it is owned by the family of Angelo Sangiacomo, son of Domenico, a successful Californian entrepreneur.
0
0
Symbol of Arquata, it is located on a hill overlooking the valley, it is approximately 22 meters high and built in Montaldero stone. It was part of the Castle, of which a few ruins of the mighty walls that sloped down from the hill and surrounded the old village and part of the walls of the keep that surrounded it are still visible. The Castle of Arquata had considerable strategic importance, so much so that it was disputed between many cities, but above all by Genoa and Tortona. But when Tortona managed to definitively take over the village of Arquata, purchasing it in 1244, a condition of stability was reached. The castle was rebuilt with the elevation of a tower and a new village at the base of the hill, close to the ancient Via Postumia, all surrounded by defense walls. As time passes, the strategic importance of the castle with its tower diminishes, and as it is a predominantly military structure, it is gradually abandoned. As the centuries passed, the old, increasingly dilapidated tower was struck by lightning which made its static nature even worse. In fact, on the morning of October 29, 1933, lightning struck part of the eastern corner, throwing large stones a great distance away.
0
0
The castle built on a 13th century fortification - is accessed via a steep climb starting from the small square where the ancient municipal building with loggia stood. Enfeoffed to the Doria family between the 14th and 16th centuries, the castle saw the succession of many families: Da Passano, Pallavicino, Serra, Spinola and Orsini Pio di Savoia. The guise in which it appears today dates back to the 18th century, when it was adapted by the Serra family into an elegant country residence. The castle, owned by the Doria family of Montaldeo since the beginning of the 19th century, has a complex structure in which the original structures survive, vestiges of previous use: the apparatus protruding on double brackets, the battlements and the configuration of the keep. One of the towers, which became an artist's studio in the last century and overlooks the surrounding landscape with large windows, offers a priceless view that sweeps over the Alpine chain, from Monviso to Monte Rosa, and over the Apennines, up to the Piacenza mountains
0
0
The imposing building, which retains a structure with corner towers, has richly furnished interiors and interesting collections of ancient weapons. Even the foundations, built with abundance, enclose labyrinthine underground passages that lead to the prisons. The building is known in the area for the legendary presence of a ghost and as a place which, way back in 1528, saw the killing of the despotic Alessandrian feudal lord Cristoforo Trotti and his family.
0
0
The Tower, on a hill overlooking the valley, is a symbol of Arquata. It is 22 meters high and was built in Montaldero stone. It was once part of the castle, of which some ruins remain of the mighty walls that descended from the hill and surrounded the old village. The Castle of Arquata had considerable strategic importance and was disputed between Genoa and Tortona. It is not very well maintained, but still worth a visit, and can be admired even from the center of the small town.
1
0
The castles around Carrosio are notable for their historical significance within Piedmont, Italy, often situated in picturesque, hilly landscapes. They offer a blend of natural scenery and architectural heritage, with structures like Castello di Montaldeo retaining imposing designs with corner towers, and Borlasca Castle featuring a distinctive, perfectly renovated turret.
These castles provide insights into local history and strategic importance. For example, the Tower of the Castle of Arquata was a symbol of Arquata and held considerable strategic importance, being disputed between Genoa and Tortona. Many castles in the region served defensive purposes and reflect the area's past conflicts and feudal structures.
Visitors appreciate the historical context and the picturesque settings of the castles. The komoot community has shown strong interest, with more than 20 upvotes and 16 photos shared across the castles. Highlights like Castello di Montaldeo are noted for their richly furnished interiors and interesting collections of ancient weapons, as well as local legends.
Access to castle interiors varies. For instance, San Cristoforo Castle is currently under renovation, so only its exteriors can be visited. Castello di Montaldeo is known to have richly furnished interiors and collections, suggesting interior access may be possible, but it's always best to check their official websites or local tourist information for current opening hours and tour availability.
The best time to visit the castles around Carrosio is generally during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) months. During these periods, the weather is typically mild and pleasant for exploring, and the natural scenery of Piedmont is particularly beautiful. Summer can be warm, while winter might offer a different, quieter experience, though some sites may have reduced hours.
Yes, many castles in the region offer excellent photographic opportunities and viewpoints due to their elevated positions. The Tower of the Castle of Arquata, for example, is situated on a hill overlooking the valley, providing panoramic views. Borlasca Castle, with its distinctive turret and renovated mansions, also presents a picturesque subject.
The region around Carrosio offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for road cycling, mountain biking, and running. For road cycling, explore routes like the 'Parco Naturale delle Capanne di Marcarolo - Ring tour' or the 'View of the Fortress of Gavi – Castello di Francavilla Bisio loop from Gavi'. Mountain biking options include 'Beautiful descent to Rigoroso' or 'Roman Bridge of Voltaggio'. Running trails also abound, such as the 'Roman Bridge of Voltaggio loop from Voltaggio'. You can find more details on these activities in the Road Cycling Routes around Carrosio, MTB Trails around Carrosio, and Running Trails around Carrosio guides.
While specific 'family-friendly' designations are not always explicit, castles like Castello di Montaldeo, with its historical tales and labyrinthine underground passages, can be engaging for older children. Exploring the exteriors and grounds of any castle can be an adventure for families. It's advisable to check individual castle websites for specific family programs or facilities.
Policies regarding dogs vary greatly between historical sites and private properties. While some outdoor areas or castle grounds might permit leashed dogs, interiors are typically off-limits. It is recommended to check the specific rules for each castle you plan to visit beforehand to avoid disappointment.
Many historical castles, due to their age and original defensive purposes, may have limited accessibility features, often involving stairs, uneven terrain, or narrow passages. For example, the Tower of the Castle of Arquata is on a hill. It is best to contact individual castle administrations directly to inquire about specific accessibility provisions for visitors with mobility concerns.
San Cristoforo Castle is currently undergoing renovation. As a result, only its exteriors can be visited. Visitors can still appreciate its historical architecture from the outside.
Castello di Montaldeo is an imposing historical site featuring multiple gates and a structure with corner towers. It is known for its richly furnished interiors and interesting collections of ancient weapons. Local legends, including the presence of a ghost and historical events from 1528, add to its mystique. The foundations also enclose labyrinthine underground passages that once led to prisons.


Looking for the best castles somewhere else? Discover other guides around Carrosio: