Palazzo Barbò is located close to Torre Pallavicina in the province of Bergamo, just five kilometres outside Soncino near Cremona, and is an enchanting historical home in the highest Italian architectural tradition. The elegance of its façade and its interiors are perfectly framed in the evocative setting outlined by the immense park of 25,000 square meters, punctuated by century-old trees which have witnessed the many events that have distinguished the grounds throughout the ages. The spaciousness of the premises, which can accommodate up to 500 guests, makes it possible to host memorable functions both in summer and winter. The Palace, which was designed by architect Antonio Campi, is outward-facing and has a large portico under which as many as 250 people can dine. A true jewel in the crown, the imposing Tristan’s Tower as it is known, whose construction dates back to the 15th century, towers high up among the foliage of the trees and has a commanding view of the grounds. Inside the palace, the ancient property is divided into five reception rooms on the ground floor that can seat up to 160 people in total, featuring panelled ceilings, frescoes and marble fireplaces, including one that includes a magnificent painting by Campi himself. The palace itself is a source of constant wonder: on ascending to the first floor, which is accessible via a sweeping staircase originally conceived for riding up to the tower's ramparts on horseback, one encounters a majestic hall which can accommodate up to 90 guests. A large parking area with parking spaces for 200 cars has been constructed in the grounds outside.

Historical background

Following the Peace of Lodi treaty in 1453 that was signed between the Duchy of Milan and the Venetian Republic, Francesco Sforza commissioned his natural son Tristano to build a tower in order to defend the border along the River Oglio between Soncino and Pumenengo, as stipulated in the treaty. Known as Tristan’s Tower, it was erected on the territories belonging to the Barbò Counts, who had been the feudal lords of the area since 1070, in contraposition to Roccafranca, located on the Venetian side of the river. On the same site, a hundred years later, Adalberto Marchese Pallavicino, whose prosperity was linked to the construction of the canal bearing his name which irrigated the plains of Cremona, decided to build a magnificent residence for himself so that he “…would no longer need to follow in the wake of ungrateful princes…” and also to create a “… place of leisure and serenity for himself and his friends”. The words of his motto ‘SIBI ET AMICIS’ can still be observed, carved into a frieze on the stone situated above the porticoes of the façade. The Palazzo subsequently became the home of the Barbò Counts, and the family are still in proud possession of the residence today.

Private events and weddings

The elegance of its façade and its interiors are perfectly framed in the evocative setting outlined by the immense park of 25,000 square meters, punctuated by century-old trees which have witnessed the many events that have distinguished the grounds throughout the ages. The spaciousness of the premises, which can accommodate up to 500 guests, makes it possible to host memorable functions both in summer and winter. The Palace, which was designed by architect Antonio Campi, is outward-facing and has a large portico under which as many as 250 people can dine. A true jewel in the crown, the imposing Tristan’s Tower as it is known, whose construction dates back to the 15th century, towers high up among the foliage of the trees and has a commanding view of the grounds. Inside the palace, the ancient property is divided into five reception rooms on the ground floor that can seat up to 160 people in total, featuring panelled ceilings, frescoes and marble fireplaces, including one that includes a magnificent painting by Campi himself. The venue is located about 60 km from Milan and is easily accessed via the A35 BRE-BE-MI motorway connecting Brescia, Bergamo and Milan, exiting at Calcio.

Staying at the apartments

The apartments overlook the centuries-old park where you can relax, surrounded by the greenery and tranquillity of the Bergamo countryside. Guests may enjoy use of many of the outdoor spaces, including the swimming pool and the car park, and the property is also adjacent to a horse-riding club. The lodgings are located approximately 60 km from Milan and are easily accessed via the A35 BRE-BE-MI motorway, taking the exit at Calcio. The apartments are located within Palazzo Barbò, a historical palace immersed in the verdant Bergamo countryside just a few metres away from Tristano Sforza's Tower. It is possible to visit the Castello Sforzesco and the Casa degli Stampatori printing museum around 5 km away in the centre of Soncino.