Mazzè
The origins of Mazzè date back to the first settlements of the Ligurian
people in the 10th century BC along their transhumance paths. In the
centuries this territory has been inhabited by Celts, Romans,
Barbarians, Lombards, and Franks: only in 1110 the Valperga family
indissolubly linked its name to the town of Mazzè through the
investiture of one of his members to Count. The present structure of
the castle is due to the Counts of Mazzè; however, the original nucleus
with the crypt and the altar which have been recently brought back to
the light, date back to the Celtic period.
The building housing
nowadays weddings, exhibits, and meetings consists of two castles: the
small one was built in the 13th century, while the big one was rebuilt
in the last century according to a Medieval style. In the underground
passages it is possible to visit the Torture Museum housing a
collection of objects and instruments used by the Inquisition and
mainly coming from Spain.
The route develops along the Roman
subterranean passages and the siege tank dating back to the 2nd century
BC, the Celtic crypt, the heretic cave, the funerary chapel dating back
to the 15th century, the dungeon, and the ice house dating back to the
16th century.
- Guided visits: Saturdays and holidays: 2.30 p.m. - 6.00 p.m.
- Visits for groups: every day by previous booking
- The Castle is closed from December to February and from 1st to 14th August - Tel. 011/9835250 - Fax 011/9830426.
