In our last article, we introduced you to the incredibly beautiful Padernello Castle in Brescia, Lombardy. Stunning to behold, set in the charming little village of Padernello and with a rich history and abundant legends such as that of the Dama Bianca, it's a site that is steeped in Italian culture and tradition. However, it is not some outdated relic of the past but, rather, has become an important part of local contemporary life through educational programs with local schools, public events, exhibitions and by hosting a popular farmer's market. We have already covered the past but the castle's present also merits discussion, in particular, the culture of engaging the public with art and food in the castle.
If you are a fan of art or food, find a holiday rental in Lombardy and indulge those passions at Padernello Castle!
When Padernello Castle was vacated by the Martinengo family who built it and occupied it for centuries in the 1800s, it fell into neglect. Eventually, thinking this a shame, the Nymphe foundation purchased and brought the castle back to its ancient splendour. Today, they not only manage and maintain the building but also allow the castle to offer lots of different interesting activities throughout the year; guided visits, theatrical productions, exhibitions, medieval fairs, food and wine tastings and events.
When Padernello Castle was vacated by the Martinengo family who built it and occupied it for centuries in the 1800s, it fell into neglect. Eventually, thinking this a shame, the Nymphe foundation purchased and brought the castle back to its ancient splendour. Today, they not only manage and maintain the building but also allow the castle to offer lots of different interesting activities throughout the year; guided visits, theatrical productions, exhibitions, medieval fairs, food and wine tastings and events.
In fact, the village of Padernello, in which Padernello Castle is located, is a bit of a “village gourmand”. Despite the fact that it is very small, it has several well-known restaurants.
A monthly farmer's market takes place inside the castle which is part of Slow Food´s worldwide network of farmers’ markets, and which is dedicated to offering access to good, organic and fairtrade food from local area.
There are lots of stalls selling both fruit and veg and produced goods such as cured meats, cheeses and baked items. Particular highlights are the cured meats of Capriolo village, bread with taggiasche olives from Panificio Grazioli from Legnano, buffalo cheese from Manerbio and casoncelli.
However, that's not the only delicious event at the castle. They host a series of dinners throughout the year called Padernello a Tavola where you have apertivos, dinner and dessert at the castle, accompanied by music and set in the amazing surrounds of the castle itself.
Finally, be sure to visit the “Il Gran Ceruti” art exhibition which displays the Padernello Cycle of paintings by the artist Giacomo Ceruti. The exhibition remains open until the end of December.
With so much to see and do in one place, Padernello Castle is certainly one of the hidden highlights of Lombardy!
A monthly farmer's market takes place inside the castle which is part of Slow Food´s worldwide network of farmers’ markets, and which is dedicated to offering access to good, organic and fairtrade food from local area.
There are lots of stalls selling both fruit and veg and produced goods such as cured meats, cheeses and baked items. Particular highlights are the cured meats of Capriolo village, bread with taggiasche olives from Panificio Grazioli from Legnano, buffalo cheese from Manerbio and casoncelli.
However, that's not the only delicious event at the castle. They host a series of dinners throughout the year called Padernello a Tavola where you have apertivos, dinner and dessert at the castle, accompanied by music and set in the amazing surrounds of the castle itself.
Finally, be sure to visit the “Il Gran Ceruti” art exhibition which displays the Padernello Cycle of paintings by the artist Giacomo Ceruti. The exhibition remains open until the end of December.
With so much to see and do in one place, Padernello Castle is certainly one of the hidden highlights of Lombardy!
Photo credit: Mercurioblu / CC BY-SA 3.0