The Castello di Bereguardo stands majestically before you, a testament to the power and prestige of the Visconti, dukes of Milan. This castle, built in the 14th century by Luchino Visconti, was more than just a fortified residence. It was a symbol of their dominion over the region, a place where they could enjoy lavish feasts and strategize military campaigns.
Standing here today, it’s hard to imagine the bustle of life that once filled its halls. Imagine, for instance, Galeazzo II Visconti, Luchino’s successor, using the castle as a temporary residence and hunting lodge. There were grand banquets held in the castle, knights in shining armor parading through the courtyard, and intricate tapestries adorning the walls.
The castle is a fascinating blend of defense and elegance. The quadrangular plan characteristic of Visconti castles is evident, but unlike others, the Castello di Bereguardo lacks the typical corner towers. Instead, it has a massive, mullioned window near the western corner. Filippo Maria Visconti, son of Gian Galeazzo Visconti, added this feature in the 15th century.
But the castle was more than just a show of power. In an ingenious stroke of engineering, Filippo Maria Visconti constructed the Naviglio di Bereguardo, a canal connecting the castle to the Naviglio Grande at Abbiategrasso. This allowed the dukes to sail from Milan to their castle in Bereguardo, a testament to their ingenuity and desire for comfort.
The castle went through several ownership changes after the fall of the Visconti dynasty. It eventually became the property of engineer Giulio Pisa, who donated it to the town of Bereguardo in the 19th century. The municipality transformed the castle into housing but later restored it completely, giving it a fresh new lease on life. Today, it houses the Abbiategrasso municipality offices and the civic library.
Walk around the castle, and you’ll see the U-shaped plan, resulting from the demolition of the porticoed wing. You can also admire the moated bridge and original crenellations on the side with the main entrance. This castle, once a symbol of power, is now a reminder of the rich history of the region and a testament to the legacy of the Visconti family.