In Pinarolo Po stands a castle that tells a long and unique story, today unfortunately marked by decay. This manor is a fascinating testimony to the medieval past of northern Italy.
In Roman times, Pinarolo Po was already an agricultural settlement. Its proximity to the river Po made the area ideal for agriculture, although the population consisted of a few dozen inhabitants. In 1164, the area came under the rule of the Giorgi di Soriasco family, who lived in what is now Ca‘ De Giorgi. The real turning point, however, came in the 14th century, with the advent of the Beccaria di Mezzano, a Pavia branch of the important family that owned numerous lands in the area.
The castle of Pinarolo Po was built exactly in the centre of the village for mainly military and defensive purposes. The structure, designed to resist sieges, was surrounded by a deep moat and the main access was provided by a single drawbridge. The presence of an underground escape route, now disappeared, is not excluded. Inside the castle, a well ensured the water supply, making it possible to withstand long periods of siege.
Originally, the castle had four corner towers that provided a full view of the surrounding area. The inner courtyard, now overgrown with vegetation, was used for various activities. On the northern side was a large pointed arch, which probably represented the former entrance, now walled up.
The front part of the castle, facing the street, underwent profound transformations during the 20th century, when the structure was adapted for residential purposes. Several residential units were obtained within the complex, as evidenced by the numerous house numbers present. The architecture of the castle is developed on a C-shaped plan, with two side courtyards and a central villa. One of the two courtyards was used for agricultural purposes, housing stables and storerooms. This part is today the most degraded, with significant cracks and crumbling stairs.
In 1750, with the death of the last descendant of the Beccaria di Mezzano family without heirs, the castle passed to the Bellisomi family of Pavia, who made numerous changes to the building, giving it its current appearance. However, in the 20th century, the castle became the property of two sisters who could not agree on the division of ownership. This dispute led to the state of abandonment in which the castle finds itself today.
The castle of Pinarolo Po, with its long and fascinating history, represents a priceless heritage that deserves to be preserved. Despite its current degradation, its walls still tell the story of past eras, evoking images of knights, sieges and intrigues.
