Castellengo Castle

Castellengo Castle, known locally as Castello di Castellengo, is a historic fortress situated in the town of Cossato within the Piedmont region of northern Italy. The structure commands a strategic position on one of the first hills bordering the Biellese plain, specifically located on the right bank of the Cervo river. While local tradition attributes the initial construction to Alberico di Monterone during the 10th century, more rigorous historical studies suggest that the foundations of the site date back to an even earlier period. This ancient origin underscores its long-standing role as a defensive and residential stronghold in the area, overlooking the surrounding landscape from its elevated vantage point.

The castle possesses a rich and sometimes turbulent history marked by shifts in ownership and military conflict. Originally held by the De Bulgaro family, who adopted the surname De Castellengo in the 12th century, the property was pledged to the powerful House of Savoy in 1374. Its significance grew during the early 15th century when it became the center of a political crisis; in 1406, the mercenary Bando of Florence occupied the fortress, leading to accusations of treason against the resident family. In response, Amadeus VIII, Duke of Savoy, laid siege to the castle, a campaign that lasted until February 1409 when control was finally reclaimed. Today, the castle remains a notable landmark in Cossato, representing centuries of regional heritage and the complex feudal dynamics of medieval Piedmont.