Location: Saluzzo Map
Constructed: 12th century
The Castello della Manta is a medieval castle located in the town of Manta, in the Province of Cuneo, Piedmont region of northern Italy. Originally constructed in the 13th century as a military outpost, it evolved into a refined noble residence under the Saluzzo della Manta family in the 15th century, serving as a symbol of chivalric culture and artistic patronage. The castle is renowned for its exceptional late Gothic frescoes, considered among the most important examples of profane painting in Europe, particularly in the Baronial Hall, which depict mythological and heroic themes inspired by medieval literature. Spanning about 40 km south of Turin and near the town of Saluzzo, the castle reflects the historical transition from a defensive fortress to a stately home, incorporating elements of Gothic, Mannerist, and later styles. Since 1985, it has been managed by the Fondo Ambiente Italiano (FAI), Italy's National Trust, following a donation by Countess Elisabetta De Rege Provana, and has undergone extensive restorations to preserve its architectural and artistic heritage. As part of the UNESCO-recognized Alpine landscapes, it attracts visitors for its cultural significance, breathtaking views of the Cozie Alps, and role in promoting sustainable tourism and education.
Castello della Manta is situated in the small town of Manta, approximately 40 km southwest of Turin and 4 km south of Saluzzo, in the Province of Cuneo, Piedmont. Its coordinates are 44°36′52″N 7°28′58″E, perched on a hill that offers panoramic views of the Monviso peak and the surrounding Alpine chain. The castle dominates the landscape from its elevated position, overlooking the fertile plains of the Varaita Valley and providing a strategic vantage point historically used for defense. Accessibility is straightforward: by car via the A6 Turin-Savona motorway (exit Marene, then SP662 to Saluzzo and SS589 to Manta, about 1 hour from Turin); by train from Turin Porta Nuova to Saluzzo station (1 hour), followed by a short bus or taxi ride; or by regional buses from Cuneo or Turin. The nearest airports are Turin Caselle (70 km) or Cuneo Levaldigi (30 km). Parking is available near the entrance, and the site integrates well with nearby attractions like the town of Saluzzo and its historic center.
The origins of Castello della Manta trace back to the 13th century,
when it was built as a simple military outpost during the medieval
period, possibly on earlier foundations. It became the residence of the
Saluzzo della Manta family, a branch of the powerful Marquisate of
Saluzzo, for over four centuries. In the early 15th century, under the
enlightened regent Valerano (lord from 1416–1443), the castle underwent
significant transformations from a fortress into a cultured noble
dwelling, including the commissioning of its famous fresco cycles around
1420. Valerano, a scholar and diplomat, drew inspiration from French
chivalric romances and the poem "Le Chevalier Errant" by his relative
Thomas III of Saluzzo, infusing the site with themes of heroism and
virtue.
The castle remained in the Saluzzo family until the late 18th
century, after which it passed through various owners, including the
Radicati and Provana families. By the 19th century, it had fallen into
disrepair but was restored by the de Rege Thesauro family. During World
War II, it served briefly as a military hospital. In 1985, Countess
Elisabetta De Rege Provana donated the castle to the FAI, which has
since invested in restorations, including a major project in the
2010s–2020s to reopen additional rooms, consolidate structures, and
enhance visitor access. Archaeological excavations have revealed layers
from medieval times, confirming its evolution. Today, it stands as a
testament to Piedmont's feudal history and artistic legacy, with ongoing
conservation efforts funded by FAI and international partners like
Friends of FAI.
The Castello della Manta embodies a blend of medieval fortress
architecture and Renaissance refinements, characterized by its austere
yet charming exterior and functional interior spaces. The structure is
built on a rectangular plan with robust stone walls, originally designed
for defense, and features an internal courtyard that serves as a central
hub. Key elements include the Baronial Hall (Sala Baronale), a large
rectangular room with a wooden ceiling and windows offering views of the
Alps; the Sala delle Grottesche, added around 1560 by Count Michele
Antonio, with Mannerist decorations including stuccoes, grotesques, and
painted ceilings depicting ancient ruins; and the Galleria, a connecting
passageway with historical significance.
The castle also includes
ancient kitchens and cellars (cantinas) accessible from the courtyard,
showcasing medieval domestic architecture. An annexed 15th-century
church, dedicated to the Virgin, features a polygonal apse and serves as
an integral part of the complex. Exterior highlights include the hilltop
position, surrounded by a large shaded park redesigned by landscape
architect Paolo Pejrone, with pathways and views of the Monviso and
Alpine chain. Recent restorations have involved reopening sealed
windows, adding a new external staircase for safety, and revealing
frescoed floors with colorful geometric designs in rooms like the
Chamber of Michele Antonio. The overall design balances military origins
with residential comfort, adapted over centuries to seismic and
environmental challenges in the region.
The castle's artistic highlights are its frescoes, which represent
some of the finest examples of late Gothic profane painting in northern
Italy and Europe. The Baronial Hall's fresco cycle, completed around
1420 by the anonymous Master of Castello della Manta, covers the walls
with vibrant scenes: on one side, the "Nine Worthies" (Nove Prodi) and
their female counterparts (Nine Heroines), portraying historical and
biblical figures like King Arthur, Charlemagne, and Judith in
contemporary 15th-century attire, symbolizing chivalric virtues; on the
opposite wall, the "Fountain of Youth," a whimsical depiction of elderly
figures rejuvenating in a magical fountain, inspired by French medieval
romances and Thomas III of Saluzzo's "Le Chevalier Errant." These
frescoes, rare for their secular themes in a noble context, blend
mythology, allegory, and local courtly life.
The annexed church's
apse features 15th-16th-century frescoes depicting the Passion of
Christ, including detailed scenes of his life. The Sala delle
Grottesche, from the mid-16th century, showcases Mannerist style with
stuccoed ceilings, grotesques, and illusions of ancient ruins. Artworks
include restored geometric floor designs and symbolic elements tied to
the Saluzzo family. No major movable artifacts are prominently
mentioned, but the frescoes themselves are the primary treasures,
preserved through FAI's conservation efforts, including cleaning and
structural support to combat humidity and age-related damage.
As of August 25, 2025, Castello della Manta is fully operational and
managed by FAI, with recent restorations opening new rooms to the public
and enhancing accessibility. It hosts cultural events, including the
"Sere FAI d’Estate" summer evenings with concerts and activities (e.g.,
"F.E.R.T." concert in May 2025 on the House of Savoy), and the "Giornata
del Panorama" on September 7, 2025, featuring guided tours and
recreational initiatives. The site is in excellent condition, rated
4.6/5 on Tripadvisor based on 573 reviews, with visitors praising the
frescoes, knowledgeable guides (e.g., Maurizio and Anna), and
family-friendly interactive tours, though some note the need for advance
booking and limitations on unguided access.
Visiting hours: Closed
Mondays; open Tuesday–Sunday, typically 10:00 AM–6:00 PM (confirm via
FAI website as hours vary seasonally). Admission: Approximately €13 for
adults (FAI members free); reduced for children and groups. Guided tours
(45–60 minutes) are recommended and can be booked online or on-site;
special "a porte chiuse" tours on Saturday mornings at 10:00 AM during
summer. Family visits include games and medieval-themed photos. Picnics
in the park can be organized with local products (book day before).
Accessibility: Partial—stairs and uneven terrain may challenge
mobility-impaired visitors, but ramps are available in key areas;
contact FAI for accommodations. Tips: Book in advance, especially for
events; wear comfortable shoes for the hill; combine with Saluzzo
visits. Contact: Phone +39 0175 87822; email faimanta@fondoambiente.it.
Photography allowed without flash; modest dress advised for the church.