Castello Malaspina, Varzi, Pavia, Lombardia, Italia, Europa

The Malaspina Castle of Varzi stands in the heart of the Staffora Valley, among the Oltrepò hills. The Castle has always belonged to the Malaspina family. Back in 1164, Emperor Frederick Barbarossa granted them the castle and surrounding lands, which extended from the hills of Rivanazzano to Oramala. Since the Middle Ages, the building had a defensive function and was a symbol of the village's commercial and economic power. Over time, due to numerous modifications, especially after the division of 1275, the Castle has been transformed into three distinct parts. The oldest dates back to the 13th century, a second building was constructed in the 15th century, and a third, located in the center and currently undergoing restoration, dates back to the 18th century. The tower, built in the 12th century, served to connect the village of Varzi to the Oramala Castle. According to documents from 1320, it was used as a prison for several years. During the Inquisition in 1460, twenty-five women and several men accused of witchcraft were imprisoned here and later killed. For this reason, the tower is also known as the "Witches' Tower." In 1838, the Malaspina family became associated with the Odetti family when the last descendant of the lineage, Marietta, married Count Carlo Odetti di Marcorengo. During a lengthy restoration process, the Odetti family breathed new life into the Castle with the aim of creating a cultural and economic project that would enhance not only the building itself but the entire surrounding area. The architectural complex includes the Odetti Palace, a building with a complex plan that houses two internal gardens and two courtyards, and the Malaspina Tower. The palace extends lengthwise and forms the longest side of Piazza Umberto I. A second building, perpendicular to the first, forms the central core of the complex. A third building connects transversally and parallel to the first, marking the northern boundary of the complex. To the south of this building is the tower, while to the west extends a long building housing the outbuildings.