Open Castles — Castello Sella of Vinzaglio

A historic residence in the Novara plains

In Vinzaglio, a small town in the Province of Novara, Piedmont, stands the Castello Sella (also known as the Castle of Vinzaglio), one of the historic estates participating annually in the regional Open Castles of Lower Piedmont festival. From April to June 2026, the castle opens its doors to visitors on select days, strictly by reservation, for a journey through the history of a territory crossed by the Sesia River.

A thousand years of history, from the Middle Ages to the 19th century

The first records of the castle and the locality—cited as Viguciallum—date back to 1011. Of the original 13th-century fortress, remnants of three towers and parts of the ancient walls remain, now incorporated into the Renaissance structure. Built on an alluvial ridge of the Sesia River, the building appears as a large U-shaped palace, enclosed within a triangular perimeter with three towers.

During the 19th century, the castle became the property of the Sella family, who restored it, transforming it into an aristocratic residence. In 1835, the Turin architect Cappello added a dramatic neoclassical covered staircase, which remains one of the most distinctive features of the estate today.

What to visit

The guided tour takes visitors through the various areas of the residence:

• the noble quarters of the estate, featuring the state rooms;
• the service buildings that completed the complex;
• the gardens and park surrounding the castle.

A unique feature makes this experience different from traditional openings: the current owner, a restorer, personally leads the tours, sharing firsthand accounts of the long restoration process. Educational visits focused on the restoration are also available, designed for groups and schools.

Open Castles, a widespread heritage

The Open Castles of Lower Piedmont festival brings together dozens of castles, manors, and historic homes in the Piedmont region, opening them to the public on weekends from spring to autumn. The Castello Sella of Vinzaglio is one of the stops in the Novara area, alongside other local estates, and represents an opportunity to discover heritage that is often private and little-known, just a stone's throw from the border with Lomellina.