Visconti Castelbarco Castle

Visconti Castelbarco Castle, locally known as Castello Visconti Castelbarco, lies in the center of the town of Cislago, in the Varese province in the Lombardy region in Italy.

The first fortification at this site already existed in the 10th century. In the 2nd half of the 13th century the lordship of Cislago was acquired by Uberto Visconti, member of the powerful Visconti family.

In 1510 the castle was almost completely demolished, during the invasion of the Swiss troops of the Cardinal of Sion, which only left the north tower standing. The ruined castle was subsequently completely rebuilt as we now see it in 1620, by Cesare II Visconti, Marquis of Cislago. This restoration turned it into a luxurious country residence. Crenelations were added to give the building a castle-like appearance.

The castle belonged to the Vsicontis until the 18th century when it passed to the Castelbarco family through marriage. Their descendants still own and inhabit the castle.

As Visconti Castelbarco Castle is still a private residence, it can not be visited.

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