Top 12 Castles around Bollengo

The Castello di Bollengo, also known as "Castel forte," dates back to the early 13th century, built between 1200 and 1250 as a defensive structure. It was later rebuilt in 1708 into a noble residence and passed through various owners, including Count Costantino Nigra. In the 20th century, it served as a house of studies for the Society of Jesus and a Salesian institute.

While the Castello di Bollengo is currently in a state of significant degradation with vandalized and deteriorated interiors, its imposing structure still dominates the town and surrounding countryside. Visitors can appreciate its historical silhouette and its role in the region's past from the exterior. Internal access and detailed tours are unlikely due to its current condition. For more historical context, you can visit its Wikipedia page.

Yes, Bollengo features other notable historical monuments. These include the evocative Romanesque Bell Tower of San Martino, also known as "Ciucarun," which dates to the 11th or 12th century. Additionally, the Church of Saints Peter and Paul, also from the Romanesque period, contains 15th-century frescoes.

The Ricetto di Magnano is a well-preserved medieval structure typical of Piedmont. It's a grouping of houses surrounded by walls, historically used by rural inhabitants for refuge during attacks. It's considered a small, well-kept pearl nestled in the Biella hills.

The imposing Ivrea Castle, known for its 'red towers,' has a rich history. It served as a refined residence for the Savoy family, then a military garrison, and later a prison until 1970. Its strategic location and characteristic structure make it a significant historical landmark in the city of Ivrea.

Situated on a hilltop in the Serra, Roppolo Castle offers beautiful views of Lake Viverone and the other Canavese lakes from its courtyard. The castle itself has origins in a 10th-century tower, around which the imposing complex developed.

Yes, there are several hiking trails in the area. You can find routes like the 'From Broglina to Ciucarun in the Serra di Ivrea – loop tour' (easy, 6 km) or 'At Passo Diagonale along the crest of the Serra di Ivrea – loop from Broglina' (moderate, 12.2 km). Explore more options on the Hiking around Bollengo guide.

Beyond hiking, the area offers opportunities for running and gravel biking. You can find running routes such as 'Alta Via dell'Anfiteatro Morenico' (difficult, 20.8 km) or 'Ciucarun – Croce Serra loop from Bollengo' (difficult, 26.9 km) on the Running Trails around Bollengo guide. For gravel biking, routes like 'Serra d'Ivrea – Ricetto di Magnano loop from Bollengo' (difficult, 77.6 km) are available via the Gravel biking around Bollengo guide.

Many castles in the region are situated on strategic hillsides, offering excellent viewpoints. For instance, Roppolo Castle provides beautiful views of Lake Viverone and the Canavese lakes. The Ivrea Historic Centre is located along the Dora Baltea Riverside, and the area is characterized by morainic hills and the Dora Baltea river itself.

The Ivrea Historic Centre and the Dora Baltea Riverside is categorized as family-friendly, offering a historical site with a 14th-century castle silhouette and a UNESCO World Heritage site to explore. While specific castles may have varying accessibility, exploring the exteriors and surrounding areas of many historical sites can be enjoyable for families.

The region around Bollengo, like much of Piedmont, generally offers pleasant weather for exploring historical sites and outdoor activities during spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October). These seasons typically provide mild temperatures and beautiful scenery, ideal for walking and sightseeing. Summer can be warm, while winter might be chilly, but offers a different, quieter atmosphere.

Visitors appreciate the rich history and architectural evolution reflected in the castles, from medieval fortifications to noble residences. The strategic locations often provide stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including lakes and hills. The blend of historical exploration with opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and running also makes the area appealing.