Faces of a Territory — Animated Open Day at Castello di Proh

An afternoon inside the history of Castello di Proh

In the heart of the Novara hills, within the Proh hamlet of Briona (Province of Novara, Piedmont), Castello di Proh opens its doors for "Faces of a Territory," an animated tour day organized by the Fondazione UniversiCà. It is a unique opportunity to discover one of the most fascinating historic residences in the Novara area, brought to life through a narrative that weaves together architecture, landscape, and memory.

A 15th-century Sforza residence

The castle was built in the mid-15th century by order of Francesco Sforza as a place of leisure and delight, situated in an area that had hosted an older fortified settlement since the 12th century. Over the centuries, it passed through the hands of various noble families—the Tornielli, Caccia, Cattaneo, and Arese Lucini—before being purchased by the Marelli family of Milan in 1917. Since 2020, thanks to a twenty-five-year agreement with the Fondazione UniversiCà, the entire complex has been restored and is now fully open to visitors: a fortress with circular towers, a courtyard, grand halls, and a garden that preserve the long history of this corner of Piedmont.

Animated tours and immersive paths

The event features animated tours every thirty minutes, from 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM, in small groups. The route guides visitors through multimedia immersive rooms, the fortress courtyard, and the educational herb garden, an outdoor space dedicated to the natural heritage and aromatic plants of the region. Cultural operators act as guides, revealing the architecture, the characters, and the lifestyles that have marked the millennial history of the site.

A cornerstone of the Cultural Park of the Novara Hills

This initiative is part of the broader project by the Fondazione UniversiCà to create the Cultural Park of the Novara Hills: a multimedia museum, event spaces, and a showcase for the agricultural and food-and-wine excellence of the Novara region. It is a proposal designed for families, history enthusiasts, and those curious about a territory that remains a hidden gem.