Mede PV

Castello Sangiuliani and the “Regina Cassolo” Collection

The Castello Sangiuliani played a central role in the economic, political, and religious history of Lomellina, although today only traces of its original structure remain. Located in the main square of Mede, it features a small neo-Gothic facade with a loggia and a crenellated tower. Part of the 14th-century walls is still visible, with pointed arch windows, some of which are blocked. The castle’s scarped base reveals its military origins, initially serving as the seat of the Counts of Mede, a branch of the Palatine Counts of Lomello. In 1466, the Zaccaria counts resided here, and in 1721 the castle passed to the Sangiuliani with portions of the Mede fief. Over time, it changed owners several times and in the 20th century was transformed into Albergo Castello.

In 1996, the Municipality of Mede acquired the property, which now houses the Municipal Library and Civic Museums. In particular, it is home to the Regina Cassolo Collection, an important collection of works by an Italian sculptor who was part of the second Futurism in the 1930s and the Concrete Art Movement in the 1950s. Regina Cassolo was originally from Mede, and her husband, Luigi Bracchi, donated her 52 sculptures and over 500 drawings, temperas, and collages to the artist’s hometown. Of significant interest, given the complexity of references and indications regarding the artist’s creative process, is also the graphic collection preserved in the museum. This includes studies of nature, collage works, pastels inspired by the sounds of bells, and a notable painting phase that approaches the styles of informal art.