Top 7 Castles around Tornaco

Beyond the castles, Tornaco and its surroundings offer a rich history. You can visit Villanova, a small hamlet of Cassolnovo, which features an ancient castle where Ludovico il Moro is said to have been born. The original castle in Tornaco itself, though largely destroyed, is the site of Villa Marzoni, which now houses the Museum of Rural Civilization of the Bassa Novarese, offering insights into the region's agricultural past.

Yes, several castles around Tornaco are considered family-friendly. These include Villanova, a small hamlet of Cassolnovo, Nibbiola Castle, and Monticello Village and Church. These locations offer historical exploration suitable for all ages.

Nibbiola Castle has a long history, with evidence of a fortification dating back to 1198. The current structure largely dates from the 15th century and is entirely built of brick. After partial renovations in the 18th century, it was transformed into a private residence, showcasing centuries of architectural evolution.

Absolutely. Villanova, a small hamlet of Cassolnovo, features a typical rural fortification from the Visconti-Sforza period, with a square layout, a central courtyard, four corner towers, and an entrance tower that still retains its crenellations and traces of a drawbridge. Nibbiola Castle is notable for being entirely built of brick and its 15th-century design.

The area around Tornaco offers various outdoor activities. You can explore MTB Trails, with options like the 'Gravel Road Between Rice Fields – Lanca del Lupo loop' or the 'Villanova Castle – Lago dell’Olmo, Tornaco loop'. For road cycling, there are Road Cycling Routes such as the 'Old Brick Building – Historic Center of Tornaco loop'. If you prefer running, you'll find Running Trails, including loops from Terdobbiate or Cilavegna.

While specific hiking trails directly linked to the castles aren't detailed, the region offers various routes for outdoor enthusiasts. You can find running trails that can be adapted for walking, such as the 'Running loop from Terdobbiate' (6.2 km, moderate) or the 'Murals of Gravellona Lomellina loop' (10.9 km, moderate). These routes allow you to explore the natural surroundings near the historical sites.

Castello Sforzesco in Vigevano was a former residence and an extensive fortification of the House of Sforza, who ruled Lombardy as dukes of Milan during the Renaissance. It was expanded into a ducal seat and is a large fortification with several areas and access roads along its perimeter, reflecting its historical importance.

Monticello Village and Church is a charming small village located just outside Novara. Its Parish Church, dedicated to Saints Gervasio and Protasio, was consecrated in 1608 and features two niches with statues of the titular saints on its facade. It offers a glimpse into local religious and village history.

The Museum of Rural Civilization of the Bassa Novarese is located within Villa Marzoni, which was built on the remnants of Tornaco's original castle. This museum serves as a significant cultural attraction, offering insights into the agricultural history and traditions of the region, allowing visitors to connect with the area's past beyond just its fortifications.

Yes, beyond the castles themselves, you can visit Leonardiana, a museum located in the magnificent rooms of the court of Ludovico il Moro within the castle of Vigevano. This museum presents the entire work of Leonardo da Vinci, who stayed there for a long time, offering an exciting route through his life and work, including drawings, notebooks, and codices.

The routes around Tornaco often feature varied terrain. For example, many MTB trails and road cycling routes traverse flat areas, including gravel roads between rice fields, as seen in the 'Gravel Road Between Rice Fields – Lanca del Lupo loop'. Some routes might include small climbs, like the 'Small climb in the locality of Cerine' road cycling route, offering a mix of easy and moderate challenges.