Castello Dei Tizzoni
Museum | San Genuario | Piemonte | Italy
The Castello di San Genuario, also known as Castello dei Tizzoni, is located in the village of San Genuario near Crescentino in the Piedmont region. It was built in 1422 by Giacomo Tizzoni, the Count of Crescentino, after receiving permission from Pope Martin V to acquire the area and build a fortress to protect the nearby Benedictine monastery of San Genuario.
Architecture and Structure:
The castle is presented in a symmetrical form with a rectangular main building, to which a slender cylindrical tower is attached. All sides of the main building are provided with projecting elements that give the structure a distinctive appearance. The original battlements were removed over time and replaced by window openings spanned by flat arches.
History:
The Tizzoni family ruled the castle until 1592, when the Duke of Savoy, Carlo Emanuele I, took possession of the fief of San Genuario. Over the centuries, the castle changed owners several times, being acquired by Venetian nobles and the Marchese Morozzo della Rocca, among others. In the early 20th century, the castle was used as an agricultural farm by the Garella family, with modern buildings being constructed in the courtyard, contrasting with the historical structure of the castle.
Significance:
The Castello di San Genuario is a significant example of 15th century architecture in Piedmont and reflects the history of the region as well as the changing political and social conditions. It is one of the few castles in Piedmont that was built in the 15th century without using older structures.
