Spectacular 16th Century Castle Near Milan
Built in 1593 on the ruins of an old tower (still visible today), Castello di Montalto Pavese stands at the heart of 500 acres of land and offers panoramic views over the Lombardy countryside.
The magnificent grounds contain private parkland, woodland and vineyards to be developed. The driveway to the castle is a 3km private road through woodland and fields, revealing the castello dramatically positioned atop a hill, surrounded by English and Italian-style formal gardens.
The castle comes with a chapel, a lemonaia (lemon nursery) and several workers' buildings and additional structures to be restored. The stables come with three antique carriages, complete with all its trappings.
Built in a U-shape, with a central structure flanked at towers at each end, the iconic residence is known locally as the "Queen of Oltrepò Pavese'' due to its dominant hilltop position overlooking the commune of Casteggio.
The 70,000 square foot castle has been beautifully restored and maintained over the years, featuring frescoed ceilings, magnificent reception rooms, and 30 ensuite bedrooms.
The castle bears the family crest of the Becredi family, who originally owned the property in the Middle Ages until the fiefdom was given to Pavia in 1164.
Later owned by the Visconti family, in 1406 the castle passed to the Beccaria family. In 1474, it was given to Federico Strozzi by the Duke of Milan, who raised the land status of Monalto to a Count that same year.
Strozzi's descendants would sell the property in 1617 to the Taverna family, who in turn sold the property to Luigi Belcredi in 1658, returning the castle after many centuries to its original owners.
In 1680, the Count was elevated to the rank of Marquis. It was the Marquis Giuseppe Belcredi who became known for staging theatrical performances at the Castello, attracting enlightenment luminaries like Volta.
In 1900, the property was purchased by the Bauldin family who renovated it in the 18th century style and converted it to a private residence.
The property is awaiting its next chapter to reclaim its status as a cultural destination, with the iconic estate just outside Milan well suited to become a boutique hotel or luxury commercial enterprise.
All photos belong to the listing agency.