Ivrea Castle

Ivrea Castle, known locally as Castello d'Ivrea, is a historic fortress situated at Piazza Castello in the town of Ivrea within the Piedmont region of Italy. Constructed in 1358 under the commission of Amadeus VI, Count of Savoy, the structure was originally designed to assert the political dominance of the House of Savoy over the surrounding territory. Architecturally, the castle features four distinct towers erected on a flanked plan and stands adjacent to the local cathedral and bishop's palace. Its cultural footprint is notable enough to be mentioned in the literary works of the renowned Italian poet Giosuè Carducci.

The site possesses a dramatic history marked by both strategic utility and tragedy. In 1676, a lightning strike hit the northwestern tower, which was being used as a gunpowder magazine, causing a massive explosion that killed fifty-one people, damaged nearly two hundred houses, and destroyed the tower itself. The tower was never rebuilt to its original height. Following this event, the castle served as a prison starting in the 18th century, initially housing state prisoners before accommodating common criminals, a function it maintained until 1970.

Currently, the castle is owned by the Municipality of Ivrea, which has recently intensified restoration efforts to preserve the landmark and make it accessible to visitors. After undergoing significant renovation works that began in January 2023, the castle successfully reopened to the public in July 2024 following an eight-year closure. Today, it stands as a restored monument that reflects centuries of regional history, offering the public a chance to explore its unique past ranging from medieval power struggles to its later role as a correctional facility.