# Brusasco Castle

- **Country:** Italy
- **Location Text:** Brusasco

Brusasco Castle, known locally as Castello di Brusasco, is a historic fortress situated in the hilltop village of Luogo within the comune of Brusasco in the Piedmont region of Italy. While the exact construction date of the original structure is not specified in available records, its first nucleus was commissioned by Berengar II of Italy. The building first appears in documented history in 1446 when it was granted as a fief to the Counts of Valperga. Over the centuries, the site has undergone significant transformations, evolving from a medieval stronghold into a residence featuring diverse architectural influences. Notable modifications include an English-style garden designed in 1780 that incorporated medieval ruins and a faux Roman nymphaeum, as well as a neo-medieval tower and chapel added in the late nineteenth century.

The castle possesses a colorful history marked by periods of grandeur and severe neglect. During the ownership of Claudio Cesare Dodolo in the era preceding the eighteenth century, the structure fell into such poor condition that the owner famously chose to reside in the local parish church instead. Following renovations by the Cotti family under architect Giovanni Maria Molino, the property changed hands multiple times before being acquired by Count Gazzelli Brucco in 1874. After passing through the Marianist Fathers and suffering years of abandonment starting in 1970, the estate was purchased by the Violi family. Today, the castle has been successfully repurposed and operates as an agriturismo, allowing visitors to experience its rich heritage while enjoying the scenic landscapes of the Po Piemontese protected area.

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brusasco_Castle (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)