Castello di Saliceto: A Medieval Marvel

Castello di Saliceto, nestled in the picturesque Bormida di Millesimo valley, is a captivating historical landmark with origins dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries. Initially a military fort along the ancient Via del Sale, the castle's trapezoidal structure, reinforced by three corner towers, reflects its strategic importance. Over the centuries, the castle transitioned from a defensive stronghold to a noble residence. The Del Carretto family, who possessed the castle from the 13th century until 1583, likely commissioned significant rebuilding, transforming it into a fortified manor with imposing walls, corner towers, and a moat. Besieged and conquered multiple times between the 15th and 17th centuries, the castle underwent several restorations, each contributing to its present-day appearance. Inside, visitors can explore the "Sala delle Armi," adorned with scenes from the life of Christ, and admire the recently discovered 14th-century frescoes. The Chapel of San Martino features a beautifully restored vaulted ceiling with intricate frescoes, adding an artistic dimension to the visit. Legend has it that the castle is haunted by the ghost of the Dama Bianca, the wife of Marchese Giorgino Del Carretto, who threw herself from the castle during a French siege in 1448 rather than surrender. Today, the Castello di Saliceto is owned by the municipality and periodically open to the public.