Rocca di Arignano Reopens After 700 Years of Abandonment
The Rocca di Arignano, a medieval fortress located near Turin and deserted for 700 years, has been revitalized and is now accessible to visitors. In 2016, Elsa Panini and Luca Veronelli acquired the site, investing close to five million euros. Constructed between the 11th and 14th centuries as a defensive position for the Savoy-Acaja against the Visconti of Monferrato, the fortress had remained untouched due to the wishes of the Costa family. The restoration, overseen by Massimo Raschiatore in collaboration with the local heritage authority, maintains its historical essence. Visitors can enjoy six guest rooms, guided tours, a permanent exhibition, and a medicinal herb garden, with plans for nine additional rooms and local experiences in progress. Chef Fabio Sgrò manages the restaurant on-site.
Key facts
- Rocca di Arignano abandoned for 700 years, reopened after restoration
- Elsa Panini and Luca Veronelli purchased the fortress in 2016
- Restoration cost nearly five million euros
- Fortress built between 11th and 14th centuries
- Originally defensive for Savoy-Acaja against Visconti
- Survived due to solid brick walls over 1.5 meters thick
- Architect Massimo Raschiatore led restoration with Soprintendenza
- Six guest rooms, guided tours, permanent exhibition planned
- Landscape architect Cristiana Ruspa designed herb garden
- Chef Fabio Sgrò runs restaurant with medieval-contemporary cuisine
- Nine more rooms planned in adjacent 18th-century villa
- Future events: readings, concerts, festivals
Entities
Artists
- Massimo Raschiatore
- Cristiana Ruspa
- Fabio Sgrò
- Elsa Panini
- Luca Veronelli
Institutions
- Rocca di Arignano
- Soprintendenza
- Costa family
- Costa della Trinità
- Artribune
Locations
- Arignano
- Turin
- Piedmont
- Italy
- Collina Torinese
- Monferrato
- Lago di Arignano