Trip Planner: Europe / Switzerland / Swiss Alps / Canton of Ticino / Lake Maggiore / Locarno / Visconteo Castle

Visconteo Castle, Locarno

3.5

#2 of 7 in Museums in Lake Maggiore

Visconteo Castle Castello Visconteo is a castle in Locarno, Switzerland. It is a Swiss heritage site of national significance.In January 2004, the Italian historian Marino Vigano' speculated that it may have been designed by Leonardo da Vinci.HistoryWhile there was a royal palace in Locarno in 866 and a noble family with a castle in the 10th century, the oldest remaining parts of the Castello (part of the ring wall and residential tract and foundation of a tower) date to the late 12th or 13th century. In 1164 Emperor Frederick Barbarossa granted Locarno the right to hold a market and for the first time mentioned the Capitanei di Locarno or noble families that administered the town and the Pieve or local church. While the Capitanei enjoyed the right of imperial immediacy, they did not always support the emperor. By around 1240 Locarno had become a stronghold of the Guelph faction which supported the pope against the emperor, possibly leading to the construction or expansion of the castle. In 1260 the Castello was attacked and destroyed by the pro-emperor Ghilbellines, leading Simon di Orelli, the most powerful member of the Capitanei to join the Ghilbellines and bring the town to the emperor's side until his death in 1290. The castle was rebuilt following the destruction of 1260.

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Visconteo Castle Reviews

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By Simon H On November 27, 2017

Bei einem Ausflug nach Locarno lohnt sich ein kurzer Abstecher zum Castello. Die Burg ist gut erhalten und sehr geschichtsträchtig. Abends wird sie sehr schön beleuchtet und gibt einige sehr schöne Fo... more »

A short detour to Castello worth a trip to Locarno. The castle is well preserved and steeped in history. In the evening, it is beautifully lit and has produced some very nice photo opportunities.

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By Davide T On October 22, 2017

La visita al maniero permette di capire l'estensione dell'influenza dei Visconti nel Medioevo. Sito abbastanza ben conservato e documentato more »

The visit to the Manor to understand the extent of the influence of the Visconti in the middle ages. Site pretty well preserved and documented

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By mariacristina n On August 27, 2017

Forse la cosa migliore di Locarno. Castello ben tenuto con bastione e zona abitabile visitabile. La vista migliore è a sud peccato ci sia una strada di scorrimento molto trafficata !! more »

Perhaps the best thing about Locarno. Castle kept up with bastion and the habitable zone. The best view is South sin there is a busy road!

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By Wilfred W F Ng On October 21, 2017

Building is interesting but item inside is not well layed out. Like walked into a China shop

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By Josh C On April 17, 2017

Architecture is really interesting but it is not worth paying the fee to go in. The exposition inside its rather dated and does not offer anything special in terms of history or interesting facts about the construction.

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By Luka Pacak On November 2, 2016

It's a beautiful place for drug users and drinkers. I love it

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By Kees Stolker On August 11, 2016

Nice castle. The whole museum outdated. Staff not very friendly. Go there just to see the castle, which is interesting, but could do with some repair and maintenance.

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By Simon Infanger On August 28, 2017

Very nice

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