“Can you imagine living behind these walls?” I ask you. This is the Castello di Olevano. It stands as a testament to centuries of history. It is nestled in Lomellina. This area lies between the Po, Sesia, and Ticino rivers.
The Castello di Olevano started as a modest fortress. It was built to defend against Hungarian incursions around the first millennium. Over time, it grew stronger. Impressive towers and a moat were added. The castle faced destruction and damage many times. Each time, it was rebuilt and restored.
Among the notable attacks were those by Barbarossa in the 12th century. Facino Cane attacked in 1404. French troops assailed it in 1557. Austro-Piedmontese forces struck in 1745.
In 1758, Gerolamo III de Olevano hired Lorenzo Cassani. Cassani was his trusted architect. His task was to transform the Castello di Olevano into a residence. Cassani blended medieval structures with new designs. He followed the fashion of the time. The result was a mix of old and new in the barocchetto style.
The Castello di Olevano complex sits within a park. The south side looks like an 18th-century villa. The north side still has its old medieval fortifications. The main wall structure dates back to the 15th century. The imposing tower with its base dates to the 12th century. The tower stands 23 meters tall. It features Ghibelline battlements. A sawtooth cornice and two terracotta windows decorate it. There is one single-light window and one double-light window.
Access to the Castello di Olevano is through a strong gate. It sits at the foot of the tower. A marble slab commemorates the castle’s historical adventures. Large framed windows and a double staircase are key features. They blend well with the 19th-century garden.
The Castello di Olevano has a “C” shape in its layout. An imposing tower stands tall. A smaller tower rises on the main building. Although built in the early 15th century. The Castello di Olevano retains features from the late 14th century.
The tower is majestic. Battlements crown its peaks. A brick sawtooth frieze runs along their lines. The current castle was built around 1420. It was built on a pre-existing fortification by Antonio Olevano. In 1758, it was transformed into a villa. Stylistic additions were made in 1912.
Interestingly, the Castello di Olevano is now a private residence. At this time, it is not open to visitors. Its walls have witnessed centuries of battles. Now, it is a home. It blends history with the present. The Castello di Olevano remains a symbol of Olevano di Lomellina. Its story echoes through the ages.