Masnago Castle

Masnago Castle, locally known as Castello di Masnago, lies in the village of the same name, in the Varese province in the Lombardy region in Italy.

Masnago originated as just a watchtower, dating back to the 12th century. This tower presently serves as the keep of the castle. During the 15th century, the Castiglioni family attached a residential building on its east side. The Castiglionis added another building during the 18th century giving the castle its present appearance, an irregular rectangular castle around a courtyard.

In 1934 the Castiglioni-Stampa family ceded Masnago Castle to an Angelo Mantegazza. In 1981 it was purchased by the Varese municipality, who turned it into a civic museum of modern and contemporary art in 1995.

Masnago Castle today still functions as an art museum. Sadly, it was closed when I arrived. The garden however is freely accessible.

Gallery