Castello - Volantino 01 UK pag 1_FH10

PER INFORMAZIONI:
Tel. 333.1301516, 0124.28778
Sito:www.amicicastellomalgra.it
E-Mail: [email protected]
Foto e testi a cura dell'Associazione Amici del Castello di Malgrà
ORARI DI APERTURA
CASTELLO MALGRà
CASTELLO MALGRà
The Association Amici del Castello Malgrà, formed to
1993, aims at the safeguard and improvement of Rivarolo's
artistic patrimony. The volunteers devote themselves to the
study of the historic-architectural aspects of the Castle
through archivist and bibliographic sources. Their constant
commitment led to the recent publication of a book on the
Malgrà Castle. The Association, in collaboration with the
Culture Town Councillorship promotes cultural events such
as theater shows, concerts and exhibitions,which make the
castle a point of reference for the whole town.
INFORMAZIONI UTILI
Recapiti telefonici: 333.1301516 , 0124.28778
0124.26725 (orario di apertura)
Amici del
Castello
Malgrà
HISTORICAL AND ARCHITECTURAL NOTES
The building of the castle goes back to the middle of the
XIV century , when the Canavese lands were split under
the domination of the Valpergas and the San Martino families,
both descendants of the arduinic heritage of the Canavese
Counts.
1333-1336: Guelph Captain Martino Count of San
Martino,Lord of Agliè and Rivarolo,under Filippo D'Acaia's
protection starts biulding the castle, made up of two separate
units. Between the two wings,linked by a boundary wall,
stands completely isolated the tall tower of the donjon, the
last defence bulwark. This new castle is meant in contrast
with the older Castellazzo controlled by the Ghibelline faction
of the Valperga Counts supported by thr Marquis of
Monferrato.
After the end of the conflict between the twoÊ families,also
thanks to the intervention of the 'Green Count ' Amedeus
of Savoy, a phase of balance and peace begins and favours
the transformation of the castle from a fortress intoÊ a
stately residence.
XVI century: Inthe western wing some crossshaped
windows with iron bars and frescoed dripstones are opened.
Two defence towers are built at the corners of the main
façade of the northern wing. The North-West oriented one,
built on a poorly solid soil collapsed soon after.
1626: Ludovico Parish Priest of Pont, last descendant of
the San Martino family sells the castle to Cavalier Carlo
Gria of Rivarolo. In 1662 the castle is sold to the Cortina
family, Lords of Favria.
In the XVIII c. some repairs are done to the existent walls
and premises. The building of an impressive staircase in
neoclassic style is remarkable.
CASTELLO MALGRà
To explain the origin of the name Malgrà tradition refers
to the fact that the San Martino Counts wanted to build
a castle "malgrado" (=in spite of ) the Valperga Counts'
opposition. More likely the word Malgrà , through the
different forms " Malgrati" and "Malgratum" , is linked to
the toponym of the place where for strategic and
geomorphic reasons the castle was built.
XV century: Some important structural and decorative
alterations occur in this period. A floor is added to the
western wing and to reach it a winding staircase is built
inside a square tower erected next to the donjon. Inside
the courtyard leaning against the western wing,a two arches
porch is built. You can still see the frescoes dated 1440
decorating the walls. The whole castle was finally crowned
by dovetail merlons.
CASTELLO MALGRà
CASTELLO MALGRà
TOPONYMIC NOTES
1851: After Cesare Cortina's death the castle passes to the
Francesetti of Hautecour family, whose last male heir Count
Ugo, lieutenant and first consul of Italy in Corea dies in Seul
in 1902.
1884-85: Countess Natalia Francesetti appoints the
restoration of the castle to architect Alfredo D'Andrade, an
important representative of piemontese medievalism. The
works are carried out under Carlo Nigra's direction and
finished in 1926.
1955: At Hilda Francesetti's death the new owners, her
nieces Countesses Robilant use the building as a summer
residence in the 60s and 70s.
1982: The Commune of Rivarolo buys the castle and the
surrounding park.
1993: The Association Amici del Castello Malgrà is formed.