ADSI National Historic Houses Day - Castello di Pavarolo

A historic residence open to all

The National Historic Houses Day, organized by the Italian Historic Houses Association (ADSI), is the annual event that opens hundreds of castles, villas, palaces, and gardens of great historical, artistic, and architectural value across the country to the public for free. In Pavarolo, a small town in the Turin hills within the Metropolitan City of Turin, the star of the initiative is the evocative Castello di Pavarolo, which throws open its gates to visitors and enthusiasts for the occasion.

The Castello di Pavarolo

Perched in a dominant position about 18 kilometers from Turin, the Castello di Pavarolo enjoys a 360-degree view of the Alps and the Ligurian Apennines. Its origins date back to 1047, when it served a defensive role, controlling the so-called Salt Road. Inside, it preserves coffered ceilings decorated with panels from the first half of the 14th century, featuring mythological subjects and a rich contemporary coat of arms, among the oldest and best-preserved in Piedmont. On the ground and first floors, the 1884 Anglo-Saxon neo-Gothic wall decorations also stand out.

The day's program

During the ADSI National Day, the entire village of Pavarolo mobilizes to welcome visitors. The municipality organizes a free shuttle service connecting the historic center to the castle, facilitating access to the hill. In addition to visiting the castle, the museum, and Casa Casorati with its accessible gardens, the day offers:

• Theatrical entertainment by the I Girasoli group;
• Concerts by the Ensemble Hemisphere;
• Opening of the Felice Casorati Studio Museum and Casa Casorati, linked to the great painter who found a creative refuge in Pavarolo;
• Photography exhibitions, a visit to the Villa Enrichetta park, and a hillside botanical trail.

Pavarolo and Felice Casorati

The bond between Pavarolo and 20th-century art is profound: the master Felice Casorati chose this hillside village as his retreat, and today the Studio Museum dedicated to him preserves the memory of his work. The ADSI National Day thus becomes the perfect opportunity to discover a lesser-known but surprising corner of Piedmont, where architectural heritage, landscape, and art history intertwine.

Admission and welcome

As with all openings for the ADSI National Day, admission is free for the entire day. The initiative involves dozens of historic houses in Piedmont distributed across the provinces of Alessandria, Asti, Biella, Cuneo, Novara, and Turin, making it one of the most anticipated occasions of the year for those who love local art and history.