Castello Savorgnan di Artegna

About the museum

The Castello Savorgnan stands on the San Martino hill, which overlooks Artegna, in a place inhabited since Gothic times. Paul the Deacon mentions Artenia among the castra where the Lombards took refuge during the Avar attack at the beginning of the 7th century. The remains of the oldest fortified settlement are on the summit, where the small church of San Martino now stands. In the 13th century the lords of Artegna built a smaller complex lower down, the lower castle, with a curtain wall and a watchtower, which in 1384 passed to the Savorgnan family through the female line.

The castle was rebuilt after the earthquake of 1976 and reopened to the public in 2014. The so-called “Lombard” tower near the old entrance is probably its oldest core. Today it houses an exhibition and museum space.

The permanent exhibition “Castrum Artenia. Ricerche e ritrovamenti sul colle di San Martino” is on the upper floors and presents in chronological order the most significant finds from the excavations: from the origins of the hill and the first human traces to the birth of the castrum and its transformation into a castle complex, with Roman and medieval material such as coins, weapons and tools. Temporary exhibitions, often by local artists, are set up on the lower floor. Archaeological remains such as the late antique cistern and the walls are also visible on the hill.

Highlights

• Castrum Artenia permanent exhibition with Roman, Lombard and medieval finds
• Castle rebuilt after the 1976 earthquake and reopened in 2014
• “Lombard” tower by the old entrance
• Archaeological remains on the San Martino hill, including the cistern
• Free admission and guided visits with the archaeologist by reservation

Founded

2014

Operated by

Comune di Artegna

Visitors per year

approx. 5,263

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Free admission, including the archaeological exhibition and the temporary exhibitions. A tourist source notes that a donation may be left.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Workshops and theatrical visits for children are organised several times a year.

Getting there & parking

By car, the castle is reached by a narrow asphalt road that starts from the historic centre. On foot, it is reached from Piazza Marnico along the “Rotter” staircase, with the option of a panoramic path on the eastern side of the hill.

Amenities & dining

The castle houses the Enoteca Castello Savorgnan (wine bar), open Friday and Saturday 16:30–22:00 and Sunday 10:00–14:00 and 16:30–22:00; its telephone number is +39 379 228 2164.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Weddings / ceremonies

The castle’s spaces can be booked for weddings, ceremonies and events by contacting the office of the Municipality of Artegna (+39 0432 977843).

Plan your visit