In the romantic historical centre of Mazzè, overlapping antique Roman ruins, you will find the Valperga Castle, built at the beginning of the XIV century by the Valperga Counts, in order to defend their estates, disputed by the Marchesi of Monferrato and the Counts of Savoia, rebuilt in modern times in a Neo-gothic style. In addition to the antique Medieval origin castle, another one was added as a manor home.
Recently restored, the castle was given back its antique splendor, with traces of various eras and styles: frescos and Medieval arches, suggestive artistic movements of the 17th and 18th centuries and rearrangements in Romanesque style that the Count Eugenio Brunetta d’Usseaux wanted in 1850 can once again be seen. Always a place of great charm and prestige, the castle had illustrious figures as guests such a Luis XII of Orleans King of France (1499), Francesco De Sanctis (1855), King Vittorio Emanuele II of Savoia, the marshal of France Canrobert and Camillo Benso di Cavour (1859), the zar Nicholas II of Russia (1909), Benedetto Croce (1914), Benito Mussolini (1925), king Umberto II of Savoia (1938) and numerous other less important figures. In the 1960’s looting and speculation brought the grandiose building complex almost in ruins. A twenty year restoration by Salino di Cavaglia is giving the castle back its magnificence, as well as fantastic crenellated architectures, turrets, precious interiors and unparallel panoramas give the visitor today an unforgettable and awesome spectacle. Next to the Castle you find the Underground Torture Museum, established in 1999 in collaboration with Amnesty International, and the Woods Park Oasis, heart of the antique estate of the Valperga Counts of Mazzè.