Discover Malpaga Castle (Cavernago), the former home of Bartolomeo Colleoni. Be enchanted by historic frescoes, relive history with unique events and re-enactments, and savor the medieval atmosphere of this 14th-century Lombard architectural emblem.
History
Malpaga Castle was built by a Ghibelline surely before the discovery of gunpowder. Thanks to the deep moat that protects it, the Manor remained unassailable for a long time and only came back to life in 1456, when the famous Captain General of the Venetian Republic, Bartolomeo Colleoni, decided to buy the Borgo di Malpaga for 100 gold ducats, intending to make it his private residence and the center of his domain. The castle became the Condottiero’s headquarters and a witness to glorious historical events, welcoming such illustrious figures as Borso d’Este, the sons of Francesco Sforza, Charles II Duke of Burgundy, and Christian I King of Denmark, who from time to time came to pay homage to the great Captain.
Architecture and environment
Malpaga Castle is one of Lombardy’s most important buildings from the 1300s.
It dominates an expanse of 330 hectares of agricultural fields within the Serio River Park, forming a naturalistic and architectural complex of great value, the protagonist of the PER MALPAGA territorial redevelopment project.
Events and visits
Malpaga Castle is a living place open to the public with a full calendar of events.
On the tour of the castle, it is possible to admire the beautiful frescoes in the ancient halls, the work of famous artists who lived between the 15th and 17th centuries, and to experience the charm of the past by crossing the threshold of the interiors furnished with reconstructions of period furniture.
Many events, demonstrations and historical re-enactments enliven the Borgo and bring the castle back to life throughout the year.