Open Castles Day - Castello dei Torriani e dei Bandello

A castle open in the heart of Lower Piedmont

The Open Castles Day in Castelnuovo Scrivia is the event that allows you to cross the threshold of the Castello dei Torriani e dei Bandello, now also known as Palazzo Pretorio. The initiative is part of the major regional Castelli Aperti festival, promoted by the Association of Friends of Open Castles, which every year highlights medieval fortresses, noble estates, and historic residences throughout Piedmont.

History and architecture

The building, located in the municipality of Castelnuovo Scrivia in the province of Alessandria, is dominated by an imposing 39-meter-high crenellated tower, whose origins date back to the founding of the town. Around 1470, the complex was expanded with a ground-floor loggia and a large hall on the first floor. Inside, 15th-century frescoes, Visconti coats of arms, and works by Alessandro Berri are preserved, including a 'Last Supper' from 1557. Since 1980, significant restoration and recovery campaigns have been carried out on the pictorial cycles.

The connection with Matteo Bandello

The castle's name evokes the Bandello family, and in particular Matteo Bandello, the famous Renaissance short-story writer born in Castelnuovo Scrivia, whose novellas inspired authors across Europe, including William Shakespeare. Visiting this residence means stepping into a piece of Italian literary history.

What to visit

During opening hours, the public can access the historic rooms of the palace, which now houses the Pier Angelo Soldini Municipal Library on the ground floor and hosts cultural events on the first floor. Experiences offered include:

• Climbing the crenellated tower for views of the town and the Alessandria plains
• Guided tours of the frescoed halls
• Discovering the coats of arms and artworks preserved inside

A festival spread across Piedmont

The opening of the Castelnuovo Scrivia Castle is one of many offerings in the Castelli Aperti season, which involves over sixty castles, villas, towers, museums, and historic homes in the provinces of Alessandria, Asti, Biella, Cuneo, Novara, and Turin every year. It is an ideal itinerary for those passionate about the history, art, and traditions of Piedmont.