The castle stands majestically in the charming medieval village of Varzi. Its link with the Malaspina family dates back to 1164, when they were granted the fiefdom of the area by Federico Barbarossa. Over the centuries, the castle went through various phases of history, but in 1838 a new chapter was written in the destiny of this fortress.
The Odetti-Malaspina family, an enduring link 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 and brought new energy and vitality to the castle. Today, the descendants of the Odetti-Malaspina family are the rightful owners of Varzi Castle. Thanks to the commitment and passion of this family, the castle has undergone a major restoration, which has brought the building and its interiors back to their former splendour.
A fusion of styles and eras
Varzi Castle is an architectural complex made up of three buildings from different periods, which are now connected by a series of passages. The oldest structure dates from the 13th century, a second building from the 15th century and a central part was added in the 18th century.
The grandeur of the castle can be seen in the defensive wall and the tower, which is almost thirty metres high. These are elements that testify to the castle's original function as a defensive structure, transformed over the centuries into a noble residence. From the main square, an alleyway leads to a 15th century gate surmounted by the coat of arms with the "spino secco", the symbol of the family.
One of the most recent parts of the architectural complex, it faces Piazza Umberto I and has a stone portal dating from the 18th century. Although it was later rebuilt, this part corresponds to the oldest part of the castle, preserving the 13th century defensive wall. A sundial can also be admired here, adding a touch of charm and refinement to the complex.
Restoration and opening to the public
Thanks to the restoration work sponsored by the Counts Odetti di Marcorengo, various areas of the castle have been recovered and restored to their former splendour. The cellars, transformed into the evocative medieval Sassi Gallery, 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 SalaAntiche Mangiatoie, used for exhibitions and conferences, while 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 use of the Odetti-Malaspina family. Partly dating from the 1500s and partly from the 1700s, this section houses precious objects and documents, including the writings of Abbot Fabrizio Malaspina on the history of the Malaspina family.
Power and dark secrets in the Malaspina Tower
The Malaspina Tower, part of the architectural complex that once belonged to the Malaspina and Sforza families, is owned by the City Council. Built in the 13th century, it rises to an imposing height of 29 metres, with walls up to 170 centimetres thick.
Inside the tower there are four rooms connected by a narrow and steep staircase, which in the past served as a prison. It is said that in 1460, during the Inquisition, twenty-five women and some men accused of witchcraft were imprisoned in the tower and later burned 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".
