Passerano Castle

Highlights

It is one of the most beautiful castles in the province of Asti.

Of particular interest is the tower of medieval times, transformed in bell tower in 1704.

The castle is the most important existing monument in the municipal territory and certainly one of the most beautiful and significant in the Astigiano because it maintains the appearance of a unified and mighty complex, placed to dominate the town and its surroundings.

It features in the vicinity a beautiful chapel and a building called the Mint, which today houses the municipal library.

Of particular interest is the Tower of medieval origin, adapted in 1704 to a bell tower; originally the tower was the northern gateway to the town's ancient ricetto and castle.

Through the medieval gate, which stands to the right of the Mint, one enters the enclosure, from where it is possible to admire the aristocratic terracotta church and the wide gateway to the building.

The two oldest parts are connected by a wing built in the seventeenth century: the north side is distinguished by two round turrets (once four) located at the corners, while the south side encloses a square tower and has an outer wall with a rich terracotta frieze and pointed arched windows.

The interior of the castle features scrupulously preserved stucco and furnishings. Of particular interest are the rooms on the upper floor, which are accessed by an imposing staircase adorned with two early Gothic sandstone capitals depicting the signs of the zodiac.

The main hall is enriched by a finely carved coffered ceiling, signed by a certain Torta di Grana in the year 1484, whose brightly colored decorations depict the coats of arms of many noble families.

In the tower room are collected relics of the great musician Schuman, ancestor of the present Count Radicati.

On the lower floors, it is then possible to visit the rich library and the apartment of Giovanni Battista Radicati.