Top 7 Castles around Sale

The most popular castle is Castello di Piovera, built in 1300 and later transformed into a residence. Visitors also highly appreciate the Dongione of Carbonara Scrivia, a well-preserved 14th-century fortress, and the Tower of the Castle of Tortona, which offers a symbolic tower and ruins of an ancient fortress.

Yes, several castles are noted as family-friendly. Castello di Piovera offers art workshops, guided tours, and an educational farm, making it suitable for families. The Dongione of Carbonara Scrivia and Castello di Frascarolo are also categorized as family-friendly historical sites.

These castles offer a deep dive into medieval history. For instance, Castello di Piovera showcases its evolution from a 14th-century fortress under the Visconti of Milan to a 17th-century residence. The Tower of the Castle of Tortona stands as a testament to the city's past, including the siege by Frederick Barbarossa, while the Beccaria Castle of Pieve del Cairo displays architectural styles from the 12th century to neoclassical innovations.

The area around these castles offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for running, gravel biking, and hiking. For running, explore trails like the 'Torre di Tortona loop' or 'Tower of the Castle of Tortona loop'. Gravel biking enthusiasts can try routes such as 'Vineyards of Monleale Alto – Coppi Climb Mural loop'. Hiking options include 'Walking on the Piedmontese hills' or 'Tortona to Volpedo Trail 101'. You can find more details on these activities in the Running Trails around Sale, Gravel biking around Sale, and Hiking around Sale guides.

Yes, there are several hiking trails available. Near the Tower of the Castle of Tortona, you can find trails like 'Walking on the Piedmontese hills' (9.76 km, moderate) or the longer 'Tortona to Volpedo Trail 101' (25.61 km, difficult). For more options, refer to the Hiking around Sale guide.

The Tower of the Castle of Tortona is a prominent viewpoint, situated in a large green area on a hill, offering views of the city. While specific natural features like lakes or beaches are not highlighted directly at the castles, the surrounding region, particularly near the Po river, offers scenic landscapes, as seen near Castello di Frascarolo which is surrounded by rice fields.

The Dongione of Carbonara Scrivia is unique for its exceptional state of conservation and architectural integrity. It's a 14th-century fortress featuring a multi-storey structure similar to a keep, which is rare in the Piedmont region. It was built by Pierino Cameri and formed part of a larger defensive system.

While not all castles offer accommodation, the Beccaria Castle of Pieve del Cairo now operates as an agriturismo with rooms for rent, offering a unique opportunity to stay within a historic castle. For other castles, you would typically find accommodation in nearby towns.

The Tower of the Castle of Tortona is the city's symbolic tower and a place of memory, having witnessed significant historical events such as the siege by Frederick Barbarossa. It, along with a few ruins, provides evidence of an ancient fortress that overlooked the town until its destruction by Napoleon in 1801.

Beyond the most popular, the Beccaria Castle of Pieve del Cairo is a significant historical and architectural example, being one of the largest in the province of Pavia and showcasing centuries of architectural styles. The Castello di Frascarolo is also a charming, mighty castle in a small place near the Po river, surrounded by rice fields.

Castello di Piovera, owned by Count Niccolò Calvi di Bergolo, hosts a variety of events. Since opening to the public in 1972, it has offered art workshops, guided tours, and an educational farm. It also serves as a period residence for events like weddings, historical re-enactments, rallies, concerts, and art exhibitions.