La Castiglia
Fortress of the marquises of Saluzzo, later a prison, now home to the Museo della Civiltà Cavalleresca (Museum of Chivalric Culture) and the Museo della Memoria Carceraria (Museum of Prison Memory).
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
La Castiglia overlooks the historic centre of Saluzzo and was the fortified residence of the marquises, of the Del Vasto branch of the Aleramici. The marquisate ruled from 1175 to 1548 and, owing to its strategic position, was contested between the kingdom of France and the duchy of Savoy.
The stronghold was built between 1271 and 1286 at the behest of Marquis Tommaso I, together with the first city walls, on the site of the ancient Castel Soprano. It stands at the highest point of the town, from where the ruling family controlled the settlement below.
In more recent times the building served as a penitentiary. Today it houses the Museo della Civiltà Cavalleresca, devoted to the culture of the marquisate between the 12th and 15th centuries; the Museo della Memoria Carceraria, set up in the former prison; and a permanent collection of contemporary art on the ground floor.
Highlights
- Museo della Civiltà Cavalleresca on the third floor
- Museo della Memoria Carceraria in the spaces of the former penitentiary
- Permanent collection of contemporary art
- 13th-century fortress of the marquises of Saluzzo
Permanent exhibitions
- Museo della Civiltà Cavalleresca – On the third floor, it illustrates the culture of the marquisate of Saluzzo between the 12th and 15th centuries.
- Museo della Memoria Carceraria – Set up in the former penitentiary, it tells the history of the prison and its links with art, cinema and literature.
- Collezione permanente di arte contemporanea – A collection of contemporary works displayed on the ground floor of the fortress.
- Founded
- 1271
- Operated by
- Comune di Saluzzo (musei civici MUSA)
- Visitors per year
- approx. 9,308
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €8 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €5 |
| Schools | €2 |
The sources consulted do not specify the criteria for reductions. Special rates are available for groups.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Advance booking is optional for individual visitors; groups can visit all year round by arrangement (800 392 789 or saluzzo@coopculture.it). Guided tours on the history of the Castiglia and visits to the patrol walkways along the walls are offered. |
