A stone staircase whispers centuries of stories. This is Castello Belgioioso a magnificent castle near Pavia. It stands proudly a testament to the Visconti family. Galeazzo II Visconti purchased the original castle in 1376. He transformed it into a grand hunting lodge. The castle’s name Zoioso possibly reflects the joy of its location. It was near the Via Francigena a medieval pilgrim route. A vast forest stretched towards the Po River near the Chiesa di San Giacomo. The area was known for its abundance of wild boar.
Gian Galeazzo Visconti Galeazzo’s son loved Belgioioso. He spent significant time there. In a letter dated December 22 1393 he forbade hunting deer and other game in nearby areas. This shows his personal connection to this place. His 1397 testament highlights this further. He established a Carthusian monastery in Pavia but specifically excluded Belgioioso from donations. This emphasizes the castle’s unique significance. The castle’s ad quadratum design echoes the layout of the Visconti castle in Pavia. It demonstrates the family’s architectural preferences. Each side measures approximately 100 meters. The grandeur reflects its status as a ducal retreat.
The 15th century brought change. The castle was allegedly destroyed and rebuilt following Gian Maria Visconti’s assassination in 1412. This isn’t confirmed in documents. Filippo Maria Visconti preferred not to stay there due to the Po’s frequent flooding. He ceded it as a fief to Manfredo Beccaria. The lineage rebelled and the property was taken back. In 1431 Filippo Maria granted the castle to Alberico da Barbiano. The Barbiano family added Belgioioso to their name. They ruled a large vicariate encompassing multiple parishes. Francesco Sforza later confirmed this investiture.
The Counts of Barbiano had a powerful history dating back to the 11th century in Romagna. Alberico the Great a famous count served the Visconti. He commanded a company of mercenaries. The Belgioioso motto Italia ab esteris liberata honors his role in rebuilding the Italian militia. He preferred Italian soldiers. The 17th century saw a decline. Nobility under Spanish rule indulged in luxury violence and extravagance. The plague of 1630 caused immense suffering.
The 18th and 19th centuries brought revival. Prince Alberico hosted lavish events honoring the Spanish Infante and Eugène de Beauharnais. Prince Antonio Barbiano enlarged and rebuilt the castle. He constructed the beautiful gate and renovated the gardens and greenhouses. His son Alberico XII was an art lover. He welcomed Ugo Foscolo and Giuseppe Parini as guests. He improved the lives of the people. He opposed the French Revolution. The castle passed to the Melzi d’Eril family in the late 19th century. Today much of Castello Belgioioso remains a reminder of its fascinating history.