Inside the castle of Morsasco

We do not know exactly when it was built. It appears to have been mentioned since the 13th century. What is known, however, for sure, is that Morsasco was founded by the inhabitants of Placiano in the same period, right on the hill where the village is located today.

The origins of the castle

The populations of Celtic – Ligurian origins built the first tower with a shelter,right where the castle of Morsasco now stands proud.  It was a place where the locals could find a safe shelter in case of need while escaping the continuous Saracen inva-sions.

The castle is strategically located at a higher elevation with respect to the village that was a fief of the Marquis del Bosco (and then passed first into the hands of the Malaspina family and then to the Lodrons). It was finally acquired by the lords of Monferrato -  the infamous Gonzaga - who put it back in their ducal chamber at the end of the 500 together with all the fiefs belonging to the Lodron family of Morsasco.

It was later acquired by Barnaba Centurione Scotto who was a powerful Genovese patrician that later became the Marquis of Morsacco. The castle underwent im-portant modifications and substantial extensions. In addition, the Sala della Pallacorda was built by the Scotto family containing a large and magnificent wing where Pallacorda competitions were held.

This game can be considered the ancestor of what today is known as tennis and which is preserved in all of its ancient splendor to this day.  
 
The Centurions Scottis remained lords of Morsasco until 1916, when Giulio Centurione Scotto was unable to repay his debts due to gambling debt. He therefore had to sell all of his properties of Morsasco to the aristocratic family of the Pallavicini of Genoa, who renovated the building one last time, eliminating the old spinning mill and the annexed bigera.

Today

The Castello di Morsacco is now owned by Aldo Cichero and his family who live there every day and that also organize guided tours to curious tourists. You can ad-mire the ancient prisons, the charming garden and the many rooms containing fres-coes. You will also see large and ancient fireplace, objects that were once used on a daily basis, the cellar with its huge wooden barrels, the drawbridge, and the chapel inside the castle that is dedicated to Saint Catherine of Siena and much more.

A visit to the castle of Morsasco

The visit usually takes place first by passing through the entrance door of the an-cient shelter and continuing into the large garden where it is possible to admire two beautiful white peacocks, in addition to the imposing panorama offered by Monferrato.

You can continue your visit through the noble part of the castle and, subsequently, through the undergrounds and ancient granaries that house - among other things - an important collection of 19th-20th century appliances.

Finally you enter the cellar where large wooden barrels of about 400-300 are stored.

Your tour guides of this precious gem of the past are the very kind owners.

The castle of Morsacco is also used to host periodic cultural events of great interest. Since 2007 it has also hosted the Castles of Monferrato Falconry Tournament where falconers can demonstrate their skills.