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    Piemonte: Private Castles and Historic Residences of Alessandria

    The Private Residences Unveiled

    • Castello Sannazzaro
      With an imperial edict in 1163, Emperor Frederick Barbarossa granted to Assalito, Burgundio, Guidone and Raineri, knights of the Sannazzaro family, the right to build a castle in their domains, and from the mid-1200s its existence is securely documented. Altered several times over the centuries, in the 18th century the fortress was transformed into a country residence with the renovation of the southern wing facing the village. Between 1854-1861, the western and northern wings were redecorated and restored, with significant scenic and decorative results. In 1859, it hosted King Vittorio Emanuele II and Emperor Napoleon III. An extremely rare case in Italy, it has always remained in the possession of the Sannazzaro family, who still reside there today.
    • Palazzo Terzano
      Located in the heart of the “city of gold”, the Palace was built by a noble Genoese family in the 17th century and acquired between the two world wars by Alfonso Terzano, a jeweler. The interior halls overlook two large courtyards that lead to the garden, bordered by an ancient wrought-iron gate. Beneath the palace lies a dense network of cellars, interconnected by tunnels and internal staircases. Notable are the ancient wine vessels covered in crystal. During World War II, the palace hosted meetings and concerts, and also served as a refuge during bombings. In the post-war period, it housed some jewelry factories, which later gained international significance.
    • Castello Balbi di Piovera
      Located in the rural settlement of Piovera, this castle dominates the small square with its imposing façade. It took the appearance of a mighty fortress in the 1300s, built by the Visconti family of Milan. In later times, it passed through the hands of the Spanish, the French, and from the Savoy family to the Balbi family. Since 1967, the current owner has been Count Niccolò Calvi di Bergolo. The castle is a horseshoe-shaped fortified complex, one of the largest in the region, with oval towers and two massive square towers, all protected by a moat and a defensive wall. The layout features a vast 30-hectare English landscape garden and 18th-century buildings, giving the entire ensemble a distinctly romantic feel.

    Travel Storytelling
    A full day dedicated to discovering the incredible historic residences of Alessandria: the picturesque private Castello Sannazzaro in Giarole, the ancient Palazzo Terzano, and the magnificent Castello di Piovera.
    We will be welcomed by the owners themselves, who will guide us through their hidden treasures, from a 14th-century church to 16th-century paintings, from the splendor of the 18th and 19th centuries to neo-Gothic frescoes, family heirlooms and objects, and the lush nature of the historic parks, including greenhouses and old stables.
    A journey through time, exploring period furniture, decorations, objects, costumes, and many curiosities, allowing us to experience firsthand the echoes of great historical events and figures, from the Visconti to Napoleon.

    Information and Pricing

    • Full-day tour, approximately 11 hours
    • Price per person: € 98.00 – Children: € 56.00
    • The tour is conducted in Italian. Please inquire in advance for other languages

    The price includes:

    • Round-trip private coach transport from Turin
    • Highway and parking fees
    • Guide assistance
    • Guided tours of the three residences with the presence of the owners
    • 3-course lunch with water
    • Insurance

    For information and reservations: piemonte@adsi.it (Reference #SW2408).