Casaletto PV

Valle Lomellina Castle and Sanctuary of the Madonna of Casaletto

Built in the 14th century on ancient fortified foundations, the Castle has undergone various transformations over the centuries. It was remodeled during the 17th century and modified in the 19th century with the addition of neocastellane elements, following the romantic spirit of the time. It dominates the center of the town, capturing attention with its semicircular plan, central cylindrical towers, loggias characterized by pointed arch windows, and rich decoration of merlons and corbels. Its unique architecture makes it a decidedly atypical and “fairy-tale” complex.

Situated just outside the inhabited center, along the road to Lomello, the Sanctuary of Madonna di Casaletto appears as a well-preserved Romanesque structure on the outside. Of probable medieval origin, it houses a 15th-century fresco of the Madonna. The story surrounding the painting is shrouded in a fascinating legend. It is said that in ancient times, a heretic attacked the image of the Madonna in a small roadside shrine in Monferrato with a stick. The damage inflicted on the artwork miraculously caused it to disappear from its original location, only to reappear inexplicably in Valle.