Top 20 Castles around Pianezza
Best castles around Pianezza are situated in a region with a rich historical past, deeply connected to the Metropolitan City of Turin, Italy. The area's history includes its strategic location along the Via Francigena and its role in significant events like the Siege of Turin. While the original Castello di Pianezza is largely integrated into Villa Lascaris, the surrounding area offers a blend of historical sites and natural landscapes. Visitors can explore remnants of ancient fortifications and noble residences, providing insight into centuries of local heritage.
Best castles around Pianezza
- The most popular castles is Palazzo Madama, Castle Square, a historical_site that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It combines two millennia of Turin's history, from a Roman gate to a defensive stronghold and a symbol of Savoy power.
- Another must-see spot is Parco Naturale La Mandria, ingresso OVEST, a castle within a natural park. This location offers many kilometers of internal paths to discover the park, accessible from the west gate.
- Visitors also love La Mandria Castle Village, a castle and settlement. This hunting residence of the Savoy family, dating back to the 18th century, is immersed in a vast park of over 1,000 hectares.
- Pianezza is known for historical castles, castle villages, and fortifications integrated into natural parks. The variety of castles to see and explore ranges from ancient Roman origins to 18th-century noble residences.
- The castles around Pianezza are appreciated by the komoot community. With more than 25 photos and over 270 upvotes, the community highlights the historical significance and scenic beauty of these locations.
Last updated: June 30, 2026
Palazzo Madama, Castle Square
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La Mandria Castle Village
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Valentino Castle
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Emanuele Filiberto di Savoia bought the castle in 1564 starting the renovation, it was then Maria Cristina di Borbone, wife of Vittorio Amedeo I to whom Carlo Emanuele I gave the castle, who transformed the building into a "maison de plaisance" on the transalpine model; that is
thanks to the work of the architects Carlo and Amedeo di Castellamonte who added the four towers at the corners of the horseshoe-shaped structure, the mansard roofs typical of French buildings and the decorations of the rooms on the noble floor.
Inside, two symmetrical side apartments, equal in number and layout of the rooms; the south apartment, intended for the duchess, is characterized by the gilding of the stuccoes, the north one for the crown prince, characterized by white stuccoes.
After the death of the Madama Reale it was abandoned until 1850 when, after being sold by the Crown to the State Property, at the behest of Cavour, the area on the left bank of the Po was used as a public park and presented at the National Exhibition of 1858. After the exhibition was abandoned again until it became the seat of the engineering faculty of Turin in 1860.
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Castello di Rivoli Museum of Contemporary Art
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The museum's activity was inaugurated on 18 December 1984 with the Ouverture exhibition, curated by the then director Rudi Fuchs. The exhibition included works created by artists exponents of conceptual art, minimalism, Land Art, poor art and trans-avant-garde, and was conceived as an ideal model for a permanent collection to be established only later, starting from the nineties.
Rivoli Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has a fascinating, intricate and evocative history.
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Tips from the Community
Even if you don't want to visit the inside, it's worth walking as far as you can. You can then see the wonderful staircases. Unfortunately, the outside is currently partially covered in scaffolding.
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Easily reachable from the entrance to the Mandria park from Venaria Reale
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The Castello di Rivoli is a wonderful building, which overlooks a wonderful panorama towards Turin and its Hill. For lovers of the genre, the Museum of Contemporary Art hosted inside is a destination not to be missed (in my youth I visited it several times).
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Castello della Mandria is a hunting residence of the Savoy family dating back to the 18th century. Immersed in a vast park of over 1,000 hectares, this castle offers a unique combination of history and nature. Used for hunting trips by the royal family, the castle still retains the elegant and rural atmosphere of the time. Its rooms are full of frescoes and period furnishings, and you can also walk in its magnificent gardens and woods. For a complete visit I recommend dedicating at least a couple of hours, and using the available audio guide to discover all the historical curiosities of the place. Castello della Mandria is easily reachable from Venaria (40 min walk).
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The climb to the castle is tiring, but once you get to the top the view of Turin is well worth it
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Fairytale scenery - cycle path immersed in the Valentino park and along the Po river (it reaches Moncalieri and San Mauro on the opposite side)
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The urban heart of Turin. The square is in the crosshairs of many streets from the Baroque period
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Beautiful castle that is very reminiscent of French castles
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the historical significance of the main castle in Pianezza?
The original Castello di Pianezza was a crucial fortification along the Via Francigena, a medieval pilgrimage route. While largely dismantled in 1808, its legacy is preserved within the current Villa Lascaris. It played a role in the Siege of Turin in 1706, and visitors can still explore remnants like subterranean sections and architectural fragments, offering a journey through centuries of local history.
Are there other significant castles or historical sites near Pianezza?
Yes, the area around Pianezza boasts several notable historical sites. You can visit Palazzo Madama, Castle Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Turin that combines two millennia of history. Another significant site is the Valentino Castle, known for its transformation into a 'maison de plaisance' and its beautiful park along the Po river.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near these castles?
The region around Pianezza offers various outdoor activities. For gravel biking, you can explore routes like the 'Lakes of Avigliana – Lago Grande di Avigliana loop' or the 'Villa La Bizzarria – La Bizzarria loop'. If you prefer mountain biking, consider routes such as 'The Fund – San Pancrazio Sanctuary loop' or the 'La Mandria Natural Park – La Mandria Castle Village loop'. For road cycling, options include the 'Villar Dora Castle – Lys Pass loop'. You can find more details on these routes in the Gravel biking around Pianezza, MTB Trails around Pianezza, and Road Cycling Routes around Pianezza guides.
Are there family-friendly castles or sites to visit around Pianezza?
Absolutely. Many castles and historical sites in the area are family-friendly. Parco Naturale La Mandria, ingresso OVEST, for example, is a castle within a natural park offering many kilometers of paths for discovery. La Mandria Castle Village, a former hunting residence, is immersed in a vast park, providing a unique combination of history and nature that families can enjoy.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles around Pianezza?
The best time to visit the castles around Pianezza generally depends on your preferred activities. Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather for exploring both the historical sites and the surrounding natural parks, making them ideal for walking and cycling. Summer can be warm, but still enjoyable, especially for exploring castle interiors or parks with shade. Winter visits are possible, though some outdoor activities might be limited by weather.
What can I expect to see at the site of the original Castello di Pianezza?
At the site of the original Castello di Pianezza, now largely integrated into Villa Lascaris, you can expect to delve into layers of history. While little of the medieval structure remains above ground, you can find subterranean sections, parts of an outer bastion, and architectural fragments. The site offers a unique opportunity to experience history, appreciate architectural evolution, and learn about local legends like Maria Bricca, all within the serene grounds of Villa Lascaris.
Are there any castles with significant natural features or viewpoints nearby?
Yes, Parco Naturale La Mandria, ingresso OVEST is a prime example, offering a castle set within a natural park. This location provides extensive internal paths to explore the park's natural beauty. The park itself is a vast green space, perfect for enjoying nature alongside historical exploration.
What do visitors enjoy most about the castles around Pianezza?
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of historical significance and scenic beauty. The komoot community highlights the rich history, from ancient Roman origins to 18th-century noble residences, and the opportunity to explore these sites within natural landscapes. The area's castles, castle villages, and fortifications integrated into natural parks are highly valued, as evidenced by over 25 photos and 270 upvotes from the community.
Can I find hiking trails that connect different castles in the Pianezza area?
While specific trails directly connecting multiple castles aren't explicitly detailed in the provided data, many castles are situated within or near natural parks that offer extensive walking and cycling paths. For instance, Parco Naturale La Mandria has many kilometers of internal paths, allowing you to discover the park and its castle. You can explore various routes in the MTB Trails around Pianezza guide, which includes routes like 'La Mandria Natural Park – La Mandria Castle Village loop'.
Is there a castle that was a hunting residence of the Savoy family?
Yes, La Mandria Castle Village was a hunting residence of the Savoy family, dating back to the 18th century. It is immersed in a vast park of over 1,000 hectares, offering an elegant and rural atmosphere. Its rooms feature frescoes and period furnishings, and you can also walk in its magnificent gardens and woods.
What is the Monument to Emanuele Filiberto, Duke of Aosta, and the Acaja Castle?
The Monument to Emanuele Filiberto, Duke of Aosta, and the Acaja Castle is a significant landmark located in Piazza Castello. This monument honors the Duke of Aosta, known as the 'Unconquered Duke' and a beloved Italian military figure of the First World War. The Acaja Castle is part of the architectural and historical complex that includes Palazzo Madama, showcasing Turin's rich past.
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