Among the rolling hills of the Oltrepò Pavese, stands the castle of Casarasco, an ancient fortress that tells centuries of history and mysteries. Founded in the 9th century by the Obertenghi family and later passed on to the Malaspina family, the castle is a living testimony of time, erected on a strategic position overlooking the Staffora Valley.
Historical Origins and Ancient Events
The first mention of the castle of Casarasco in historical documents dates back to the 10th century, but its foundation by the Obertenghi came about a century earlier. This noble family, influential in medieval Italy, built the castle as a symbol of their power and as a stronghold to control the valley below. Later, the castle passed to the Malaspina, one of the most powerful families of the time, who added the watchtower to further consolidate their rule.
The Architecture of the Castle
Casarasco Castle is distinguished by its robust and imposing architecture. Although much of the original structure has been lost over the centuries, the north wing of the castle still remains intact. This section features a massive keep built of squared blocks, next to which is an entrance door surmounted by a slightly pointed archway, leading to the inner courtyard, probably the former parade ground.
The old tower, now lowered for the construction of the single-pitch roof, retains some rooms in their original size. On the left side of the building, a sandstone slab engraved with two barbed branches separated by a cross recalls the emblem of the noble Malaspina family, underlining the historical and genealogical importance of the site.
The Fountains Trail
The castle of Casarasco is not only a historical monument, but also a crossing point for nature explorations. The castle is part of the nature trail called ‘Sentiero delle Fontane‘. This seven-kilometre trail winds through a fascinating rural landscape, past small farming villages with stone houses, unspoilt wooded areas and breathtaking views of the Alps and Apennines.
The Sentiero delle Fontane owes its name to the numerous springs and fountains along the route. These water sources represent a valuable resource for travellers and testify to the importance of water for rural communities in the past. Walking along the trail, one can almost feel the call of history, perceiving the tranquillity and beauty of a bygone era.
Conclusions
The castle of Casarasco, with its thousand-year history and timeless charm, represents an important cultural and historical heritage of the Oltrepò Pavese. Within its walls are hidden stories of power, miracles and everyday life, which together with the surrounding landscape offer visitors a unique experience.
