MEDIEVAL VILLAGE OF VIGOLENO (Vernasca), Piacenza, Italy

MEDIEVAL VILLAGE OF VIGOLENO
(Vernasca)
www.comune.vernasca.pc.it

The village grew up around the Castle of Vigoleno, which was likely built in the 10th century—possibly atop Roman-era defensive structures—though the first documented date is 1141. The village passed through many hands but belonged primarily to the Scotti Douglas family. Fortified by Alberto Scotti Douglas in the early 14th century, the castle was attacked and destroyed several times by the Ghibellines of Piacenza, who subsequently rebuilt it. In 1373, the fortification was captured and almost entirely dismantled by the Visconti, who, having reached agreements with the Scotti and other rebellious lords, were then consolidating their hegemony over the Piacenza area and western Emilia. Following various other vicissitudes, and having outlived its defensive purpose, the castle was transformed in the 18th century into an aristocratic residence, becoming an important hub for the literary and cultural life of the duchy. The Napoleonic abolition of feudalism left the property in the hands of the Scotti family, who retained ownership until 1908, when they sold it to private individuals.

Grazie a Barbara M.