Oldofredi Castle

Oldofredi Castle, locally known as Castello Oldofredi, lies in the center of the small town of Paderno Franciacorta, in the Brescia province in the Lombardy region in Italy.

The castle was first mentioned in 1009. It probably was founded during the 10th century as a defense against raiding Hungarians. The castle was also attacked during the wars between the Guelphs and the Ghibellines, factions who were supporting the Pope and the Holy Roman Emperor respectively, in the 12th and 13th centuries. It was made a center of military operations in 1242 by Enzo of Sardinia.

In 1326 it was devastated by the troops of the Lord of Milan, Azzone Visconti. The people of Brescia took it in 1330. The castle was conquered by Niccolò Piccinino in 1428, during the Wars in Lombardy.

The castle and town were sacked in 1512, during the Sack of Brescia, by French troops led by Gaston de Foix, Duke of Nemours. Hundreds of military and villagers were murdered, leaving only 52 people alive.

The name Oldofredi comes from the noble Oldofredi family, who probably held the castle at some point in its history.

The castle was restored in the 19th century, although with little respect for the original structure. After a more recent restoration it received its present appearance and the left wing of the front facade was taken into use as the municipal library.

Oldofredi Castle can only be visited externally. A simple castle in a quiet little town. In neighboring villages you can find the castles of Passirano and Bornato.

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