Top 14 Castles around Ivrea

The primary castle within Ivrea is the Castello di Ivrea, also known as the Castle of the Four Towers or the Red Towers Castle. Built in 1358 by Amadeo VI of Savoy, it's distinctive for its four massive circular towers, though one was partially destroyed by lightning in 1676 and never fully rebuilt. It has served as a defensive fortress, a stately residence, and a prison, and now hosts cultural events. From its patrol walkways, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Ivrea and the surrounding landscape.

You can explore several other notable sites.

• Castello di Masino, built by the Valperga family in the 11th century, offers beautiful gardens and a labyrinth overlooking the Morainic Amphitheater of Ivrea.
• Another must-see is Ricetto di Magnano, a well-preserved medieval grouping of houses surrounded by walls, which served as a refuge during times of danger.
• The village of San Martino also features the ruins of an ancient castle, dating back to the 11th century.

The castles around Ivrea are deeply rooted in the region's history, primarily linked to the House of Savoy. They served crucial roles as defensive strongholds, asserting authority over the Canavese region, and later as noble residences. Sites like the Ivrea Castle showcase centuries of political events and medieval life, evolving from military garrisons to prisons. The Ricetto di Magnano highlights the medieval need for community refuge and defense.

Yes, several castles in the area provide stunning panoramic views. The Ivrea Castle, strategically positioned in the upper part of the city, offers magnificent vistas of Ivrea, the Eporedian Morainic Amphitheater, and the landscape stretching towards the Aosta Valley from its elevated patrol walkways. Similarly, Castello di Masino is located on a hilltop, providing excellent views of the Morainic Amphitheater of Ivrea.

After extensive restoration, the Castello di Ivrea has reopened as a dynamic cultural venue. It now hosts various exhibitions and events, including historical re-enactments, allowing visitors to engage with its rich past in new ways. You can explore its large courtyard and some former prison cells, and take guided tours.

The best time to visit the castles around Ivrea is generally during the spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) months. During these seasons, the weather is pleasant for exploring the castle grounds and nearby trails, and the natural landscape of the Morainic Amphitheater is particularly beautiful. Summer can also be enjoyable, though it can be warmer.

Yes, some castles are particularly family-friendly. Castello di Masino is noted as family-friendly, offering gardens and a labyrinth that can be engaging for children. Exploring the courtyards and historical structures of places like Ivrea Castle and Ricetto di Magnano can also be an educational and exciting experience for younger visitors.

While specific rules for individual castles may vary, many outdoor areas and walking trails around Ivrea are dog-friendly. For instance, the gardens and outdoor spaces of some castles might allow leashed dogs. It's always advisable to check the specific access policies of each castle before your visit, especially for indoor areas. Many of the nearby hiking and walking routes are suitable for walks with dogs.

Ivrea is well-connected by public transport, particularly by train. From the Ivrea train station, you can often find local buses or taxis to reach the city's main attractions, including the Ivrea Castle, which is located in the upper part of the city. For castles further afield, like Castello di Masino, public transport options might be more limited, and a combination of bus and walking or a taxi may be required. Checking local bus schedules is recommended.

For the Ivrea Castle, parking is typically available in designated areas within Ivrea city, often requiring a short walk to the upper town. For castles like Castello di Masino, there is usually dedicated parking on-site or nearby. For other sites like Ricetto di Magnano, parking can often be found in the nearby village. It's advisable to look for local signage or check the castle's official website for specific parking instructions.

The time needed can vary. For the Ivrea Castle, with its guided tours and cultural events, you might spend 1.5 to 3 hours. A visit to Castello di Masino, including its gardens and labyrinth, could take 2-4 hours. Smaller sites like Ricetto di Magnano might only require 1-2 hours to explore thoroughly. If you plan to visit multiple castles or combine your visit with nearby hiking, allocate a full day or more.

Yes, the region around Ivrea is excellent for hiking and walking, often with castle views. You can find various routes, from easy walks to more challenging trails. For example, there are numerous trails that pass through the Morainic Amphitheater, offering views of the castles and lakes. You can find detailed routes and guides for activities like running, gravel biking, and MTB around Ivrea on komoot.

The area around Ivrea offers a diverse range of outdoor activities. You can enjoy running trails around the five minor lakes (Sirio, San Michele, Pistono, Nero, Campagna), or explore the landscape with gravel biking and mountain biking routes. Many of these routes offer scenic views of the castles and the unique morainic landscape, blending historical exploration with active outdoor pursuits.

Yes, there are several easy walking routes suitable for a leisurely stroll near the castles. For instance, you can enjoy walks around the historic center of Ivrea, which includes the Ivrea Historic Centre and the Dora Baltea Riverside, offering views of the castle. Many of the trails around the nearby lakes, such as the 'Il Lago Sirio – loop run in the Riserva Laghi di Ivrea' (which is an easy run/walk), also provide accessible and scenic options.