Malpaga Castle – the manor that was worth 100 gold ducats

History and description

Built in the 14th century as a military fortress and later abandoned, Malpaga Castle was purchased in 1456 for 100 gold ducats by the condottiero Bartolomeo Colleoni. He completely transformed it, adding to its square structure—surrounded by walls and moats—barracks for soldiers and numerous frescoed halls in the Gothic‑courtly style, such as the Courtyard of Honor and the Banquet Hall. In doing so, he created a true residence where a renowned courtly life developed, hosting illustrious guests such as Christian I of Denmark and Francesco Sforza. After Colleoni’s death, the manor passed to his descendants and, later, to various families before eventually becoming a site open to the public.

Curiosities

In addition to hosting numerous activities such as dinners and cultural events, the castle is also tied to a local legend. According to tradition, the ghost of a gentleman dressed in an elegant dark velvet suit roams the castle, appearing at windows or in the loggia without harming visitors. The story tells that he fell in love with a lady of the castle, and when their secret affair was discovered, her husband killed the nobleman and threw his body into a castle well, binding his soul forever to the place.

Access

Open daily except Mondays, with varying schedules, the manor can be visited with an audio guide or guided tour. Ticket prices range from €7 to €17, with free entry and specific reductions available.

How to reach it

Located in the Bergamo plain, the castle can only be reached by car, taking the local roads from Bergamo towards Cavernago or Malpaga.

Renowned for its beauty and the legends it preserves, Malpaga Castle is an unmissable stop for lovers of art and history.

Photo credits: Zairon (Wikipedia) - Licensed by CC 4.0