Gabiano Castle in Monferrato opens to the public for the first time

Gabiano Castle, positioned in the hills of Monferrato overlooking the Po Valley, has belonged to the Durazzo Family, Marquises of Gabiano, for four centuries. To celebrate the 400 years that bind the family to the castle, its descendants have decided to open its doors, starting July 27, in a guided historical tour, available by reservation. Every Saturday in September and October it will be possible to visit the castle in groups of 20-25, accompanied by art historian Luca Mana. The itinerary also opens up to dialogue with contemporary art, thanks to the works part of the castle’s collection by sculptors and artists, Lara Favaretto, Tatiana Trouvé, and Iris Epaminonda. The history of the Castle and the anniversary of the four centuries linking the Durazzo family and the Republic of Genoa to Monferrato are the focus of the conference 1624 - 2024 Monferrato & Genova, from the Alerami to the Durazzo family, to be held Oct. 5 inside the Castle itself curated by Luca Mana and Alice Raviola Blythe. Founded in the early Middle Ages to control the trade that crossed the Po River to northern Europe, it then took on a defensive function, becoming in the Renaissance the residence of the ruling dynasties of Monferrato, such as the Montiglio, the Alerami, the Paleologo, the Gonzaga and finally the Durazzo.

Originally from Albania, the Durazzo family reached Italy in the 14th century, fleeing Ottoman occupation. Tying the family history to Gabiano was Agostino Durazzo, who was given the medieval village as a fief in 1624, along with the title of marquis. From that date on, the family’s fortunes were inextricably intertwined with those of Gabiano Castle, which Agostino’s sons and grandsons were responsible for restoring to its former glory and embellishing with decorations, frescoes, gardens, and even a labyrinth. Passionate botanists from the very beginning enhanced the local winemaking tradition, evidence of which exists prior to the year 1000. Nineteenth-century bottles of Generalife wine, along with other important vintages from 1946 to the present, are still preserved in the castle’s infernotto.

Guided tours by Luca Mana, director of the Accorsi-Ometto decorative arts museum in Turin. Special opening Saturday, July 27 at 11:00 am, 12:00 pm / 3:00 pm, 4:00 pm. Visits possible every Saturday in September at 11:00 am and 12:00 pm, every Saturday in October (except October 5) at 11:00 am and 12:00 pm. The visit takes place in two groups of 20-25 visitors, at 11:00 am and 12:00 pm. The visit lasts one hour and costs 30 euros per person. By reservation only Phone +39 01 42 09 01 04 / cell +39 33 46 23 87 35 / Mail 400anni@castellodigabiano.com

Gabiano Castle in Monferrato opens to the public for the first time

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