Vettignè Castle
Castle in Piedmont, Italy
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Vettignè Castle (Italian: Castello di Vettignè) is a castle located in Santhià, Piedmont, Italy.
| Vettignè Castle | |
|---|---|
Castello di Vettignè | |
| Santhià, Piedmont, Italy | |
Vettignè Castle in 2009 | |
| Site information | |
| Type | Castle |
| Location | |
| Coordinates | 45°23′35.53″N 8°14′19.36″E |
History
The current structure of castle was built in the 15th century, most likely on an earlier fortification.[1][2][3] Between 1554 and 1559 teh castle and the surrounding area endured French occupation, before being returned to Savoyard control after the Treaty of Cateau-Cambrésis.[1]
Between the late 17th and early 18th centuries, as its defensive role came to an end, the castle began to be transformed into a rural residence, and the surrounding area shifted toward an agricultural vocation, further supported by the spread of rice cultivation in the nearby countryside.[2]
Description
The complex consists of a quadrangular building enclosing a large courtyard. The most prominent structure is a massive fortified keep equipped with a cylindrical tower, reminiscent of the one at San Genuario Castle in Crescentino, and a small square turret projecting from the northeast corner.[1] The construction features machicolations and battlements, which were later raised to accommodate the addition of windows.[1]