Ideal for a day trip. An engaging itinerary, including frescoed and furnished halls, a romantic English-style park, a fun maze, 19th-century carriages, and a picnic area.
Masino Castle, an aristocratic residence surrounded by a large monumental Park, is a residence of great historical and cultural significance. For centuries, it was the heart of the Valperga family, which boasted illustrious lineage.
Built in the 11th century, it has undergone numerous transformations, including a significant reconstruction in the 16th century by the French, who transformed it into a stately residence.
The park surrounding the castle is famous for its Tree-lined avenues and Italian-style gardens, a French-style garden, and a “romantic” English-style garden.
What to see and do
– Frescoed and furnished halls
The 17th- and 18th-century interiors feature frescoes, antique furniture, and porcelain. The Ballroom is a masterpiece, with large windows overlooking the park.
– Apartments of Madame Royale
Created in 1670 for Maria Giovanna Battista of Savoy, wife of Victor Amadeus II, with private rooms steeped in Savoy history.
– Apartment of the Princes of Savoy
Prepared for illustrious guests, it is a triumph of pomp with stucco, tapestries, and period furniture.
– Hall of the Feuds
The oldest room in the castle, with a magnificent 15th-century coffered ceiling and the coats of arms of all the fiefdoms owned by the family.
– Hall of the Poets
Overlooking the park, it is decorated with frescoes depicting the great Italian poets. From here, the view of the Po Valley is breathtaking.
– Gallery of Poets
A long frescoed corridor with over 40 portraits of poets, from Dante and Petrarch to Tasso and Ariosto. It is one of a kind.
– Ambassadors’ Rooms
Elegant rooms for illustrious guests, which recount the diplomacy of the time.
– Historical Library
Over 20,000 volumes, including rare texts and the Valperga genealogical archive, with anecdotes from 10 centuries of family history.
– Chapel and Tomb
Holds the remains of King Arduino and the Valperga pantheon.
– Historic Cellars
Ancient barrels and the wine press, overlooking the vineyard currently under restoration.
Outside
– Carriage Museum
In the adjacent building, 12 19th-century carriages, including the gala carriage and children’s models, made by the finest Italian craftsmen.
– Hedge Maze
One of the largest in Italy (a thousand hornbeam trees), a fun puzzle for adults and children to venture and get lost among 2-meter-high hedges. Also visible from the castle.
– Cypress Garden and Oleander Terrace
Panoramic spaces overlooking the Serra di Ivrea, perfect for photos and relaxation.
– Viale dei Tigli
A majestic tree-lined avenue that offers a magnificent view of the castle and is fragrant in spring.
– The Tower of the Winds, panoramic window
Climb the tower located at the entrance to the park to enjoy a 360° view of the entire complex, the Morainic Amphitheater of Ivrea, and, on clear days, the Alpine arc all the way to Monviso.
– The 22-Lap Road
A winding path among artificial hills, neo-Gothic temples, and statues.
Play Area, Walks, and Picnics
Children’s areas, birdwatching trails, or a Picnic area with blankets and towels only. Picnic blankets are also available for purchase at the shop.
Sensory Experience
In some rooms, you can touch fabrics, listen to period music, or smell perfumes (ideal for visitors with intellectual disabilities, thanks to the “Bene FAI per tutti” project).
Via al Castello 1
Location: Masino
Caravino (Turin)
Piedmont – Italy
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