In the charming medieval village of Varzi, the castle soars majestically. Its link with the Malaspina family dates back to 1164, when they received the fiefdom of the territory from Federico Barbarossa. Over the centuries, the manor has gone through various phases of its history, but it was in 1838 that a new page was written in the destiny of this fortress.
The Odetti-Malaspina family, a lasting bond with the castle
In 1838, the Malaspina family joined the Odetti family through the marriage of the last surviving member of the ancient lineage to Count Carlo Odetti of Marcorengo. This union sealed the bond between two noble families, bringing new energy and vitality to the castle. Even today, the descendants of the Odetti-Malaspina family are the legitimate owners of Varzi Castle. Thanks to the commitment and passion of this family, the castle has undergone a major restoration that has restored the building and its interior to its former glory.
A fusion of styles and periods
Varzi Castle is an architectural complex composed of three structures from different eras, which today communicate with each other through a series of passages. The oldest structure dates back to the 13th century, a second building to the 15th century and a central part was added in the 18th century.
The grandeur of the castle is evident in the defensive wall and the tower, almost thirty metres high. Elements, these, which testify to the castle's original function as a defensive structure that over the centuries was transformed into a noble residence. An alleyway opening from the main square leads to a gateway dating back to the 15th century, surmounted by the coat of arms with the 'spino secco', the family symbol.
One of the most recent parts of the architectural complex, it faces Piazza Umberto I and has a stone entrance portal dating back to the 18th century. Although it was rebuilt later, this part corresponds to the oldest part of the castle, preserving the defensive wall from the 13th century. A sundial can also be admired here, adding a touch of charm and refinement to the complex.
The restoration and opening to the public
Thanks to the restoration promoted by the Counts Odetti di Marcorengo, various areas of the castle have been recovered and restored to their former glory. The cellars, transformed into the evocative Galleria dei Sassi Medievali, offer a fascinating glimpse into the past. TheAntica Ghiaccia, once used to store ice, has been adapted for other purposes. The old stables have been converted into the sala delleAntiche Mangiatoiewhile the barn is now the sumptuous Salone Faustino Odetti,dedicated to receptions.
The private wing: an intimate collection of precious objects and documents
One wing of the castle is reserved for the private sphere of the Odetti-Malaspina family. This section, dating partly from the 1500s and partly from the 1700s, houses precious objects and documents, including the writings of Abbot on the history of the Malaspina family.
Powers and dark secrets in the Malaspina Tower
The Malaspina Tower, part of the architectural complex once belonging to the Malaspina and Sforza families, is owned by the municipal administration. Built in the 13th century, it rises with an imposing 29 metres and walls up to 170 cm thick.
Inside the tower are four rooms, connected by a narrow, steep staircase, which served as a prison in the past. It is said that in 1460, during the period of the Inquisition, twenty-five women and some men accused of witchcraft were locked up in the tower and later burnt at the stake in the adjacent square. This event is the origin of the nickname that has made the tower famous as the 'Witches' Tower'.
