# Zumaglia Castle

- **Country:** Italy
- **Coordinates:** 45.585776, 8.092567
- **Location Text:** Zumaglia

Zumaglia Castle, known locally as Castello di Zumaglia, is a medieval fortress situated atop the Brich di Zumaglia hill on the border between the communes of Zumaglia and Ronco Biellese in the Province of Biella, Italy. Originally constructed in 1291 on the site of an earlier structure, the castle was significantly reinforced in 1329 under the orders of Lombardo della Torre, the Bishop of Vercelli. Its strategic location offered defensive advantages for centuries until it suffered severe destruction during an attack by Henry II of France in 1556. The ruins remained largely abandoned until Count Vittorio Buratti undertook a comprehensive reconstruction project in 1937, restoring the building to its present form while preserving its historical character.

Today, the castle serves as a vibrant cultural hub rather than a military installation. Since June 2013, it has been managed by a.r.s. Teatrando, a theater company that utilizes the venue for a wide array of events including exhibitions, receptions, musical performances, and educational activities. A highlight of its current usage is the annual summer theater festival organized by the managing company, which draws visitors to the historic site. The castle is accessible via cobbled paths and dirt roads leading from the Ronco Biellese sports center, and it lies along the Grande Traversata del Biellese, a prominent 234-kilometer hiking trail that traverses the region.

The surrounding area, encompassing Brich di Zumaglia and Mont Prève, was officially established as a natural park in 1995, enhancing the site's appeal for both history enthusiasts and nature lovers. This designation protects the landscape around the castle, ensuring that the approach to the structure remains scenic and preserved. By combining architectural heritage with active community engagement, Zumaglia Castle maintains its relevance in the modern era while honoring its complex past involving ecclesiastical power, royal conflict, and private restoration.

![Photo of Zumaglia Castle](http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Castello%20zumaglia.jpg)

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