Castello Malaspina Varzi In Varzi

Count Enrico Malaspina, with a jovial air, welcomes us to the noble family mansion in Varzi for a guided tour. The day is splendid, as is the state of preservation of this building, which since Barbarossa (13th century) must have seen so much, including marching armies. It is located at a strategic crossroads between Lombardy, Piedmont, and Emilia. Today it is used for events, but its discreet and, frankly, most fascinating soul lies within, where portraits of austere ancestors gaze at you, curious to see people dressed in plebeian style. A particular highlight is the original antique furniture and books: time has stood still here. An impressive heritage that would make even more renowned manors envious. Worth visiting and enjoying. The Count is there waiting for us with that patience and disenchantment that evokes a bygone era.

Makes a lovely day out driving through the beautiful countryside with stunning views of the valleys to arrive at this historical castle for a tour followed by a local wine and canapés tasting comprising of cheese, melons, torta and the very famous Varzi salami. If you’re in luck, you’ll get shown around by the future Count himself, Enrico Odetti, who is passionate about the historical importance of the castle and intent on preserving the legacy.

Varzi is a very pretty village, dominated by a castle in the center. It's no longer open to visitors without a reservation. It's more suitable for private ceremonies and events. However, we stopped by during a motorcycle tour, and the town is very pretty and well-maintained.

The castle of the powerful Malaspina family stands in the highest part of this charming town in the mountain community...seen only from the outside.

Visiting the Malaspina Castle in Varzi is like stepping back in time, an immersion in history that fascinates and surprises at every turn. This magnificent building, perched in the heart of the Oltrepò Pavese, retains its medieval aura intact, with mighty walls, evocative courtyards, and atmospheres that speak of centuries of life and power. It was the scene of clashes, alliances, and intrigues, reflecting the complex events of feudal Italy. Over the centuries, it has undergone expansions, renovations, and changes in use: from a military stronghold to a stately home, it even served as a Carabinieri barracks for a time. Even today, it retains original architectural elements, such as the towers, arrow slits, and stone walls. It's not just the location that makes the experience unforgettable, but also those who tell its story. Our guide, Federico, proved to be an exceptional storyteller: knowledgeable, passionate, and capable of conveying every detail with clarity and engagement, citing dates, names, and events with impressive precision. If you find yourself in Varzi, a visit to the castle is a must, but first, stop for a break in the village beneath the medieval porticoes to taste the renowned DOP salami: a symbolic product of the area, best enjoyed with local bread and a glass of Oltrepò red wine.

We were there recently, and it was a beautiful place! Federico guided us, and he was helpful and very knowledgeable. Congratulations! I recommend everyone to visit this historic place.

Today I visited the castle, which is very beautiful and interesting. I thank Federico, a highly knowledgeable and passionate guide who was able to convey the spirit of the castle to me, still inhabited today by descendants of the Malaspina family. I highly recommend it! I will definitely return for future events.

Excellent place to visit, for guided tours they are very helpful and friendly. The castle is well kept and cared for, one of the jewels of the Oltrepo Pavese

It is an ideal location for organizing events of various types, from corporate to "wedding", the structure lends itself very well to association meetings of various kinds or simply for a cultural visit because the castle has kept its soul intact.