Ivrea Castle – a historic manor between the Middle Ages and the contemporary era

History and description

Built in 1358 by order of Amadeus VI of Savoy, Ivrea Castle is also known, following Carducci’s definition, as “the castle of the red towers” due to its square layout built almost entirely of brick. Originally composed of four towers, today only three remain—one was destroyed by lightning. From the towers, visitors can enjoy a breathtaking view of the city, along with the courtyard, some cells, and the patrol walkways. The towers highlight the defensive function of the manor, as does its strategic position. Over the centuries, however, the castle underwent numerous transformations: it became a noble residence of the Savoy family, during which art and culture flourished, later a military garrison and even a prison, before becoming municipal property, restored, and opened to the public.

Curiosities

According to legend, during its construction not only the inhabitants of Ivrea but also many others came to help, showing the political importance of the building. The castle was also honored by the Italian postal service, which depicted it in 1980 on a 700‑lire stamp.

Access

Accessible only through guided tours with seasonal schedules, the castle can be visited at the cost of €13, with free entry and specific reductions available.

How to reach it

Located in Piazza Castello, the manor can be reached by car, with nearby parking available, by train from Turin or other Piedmontese cities, or on foot.

Visiting Ivrea Castle means embarking on a journey through history, architecture, legends, and timeless views. Don’t miss one of the wonders of Piedmont!

Photo credits: Plumbago Capensis (Wikipedia) - Licensed by CC 4.0