The region of Lombardy is an excellent destination for those who enjoy good food, lush scenery, and visiting incredible palaces and architectural gems. Some of Italy’s most sumptuous buildings exist here and it is an ideal spot in which to plan holidays full of day trips, going out to enjoy that beautiful landscape, potter around little towns, discover delicious local products, and explore some truly magical castles and noble homes. If you are a fan of these sorts of rambling but adventurous kinds of holidays then we recommend finding a villa in Lombardy and coming to discover all that this stunning region has to offer the discerning tourist.
Certainly, if you have found a vacation rental in Lombardy and are near Brescia, you should set aside some time to visit Castello di Padernello. This stunning castle looks like something from a fairytale, can be toured, hosts exciting exhibitions and events right through the year, and has some excellent eateries to keep the foodies in your group happy! Located in a particularly lovely part of Lombardy and in the charming village of Padernello, there is plenty to see and do on a day out at this gem!
The origins of the incredible Castello di Padernello actually date back to the end of the 14th century when it was the site of a simple defensive tower, surrounded by a moat as the current structure is to this day. From 1391, this tower came into the possession of a family of mercenary soldiers who served the Duchy of Milan and then the Republic of Venice called the Martinengo family. Under their control, this original tower structure was expanded over the centuries into a complex of buildings that added up to one breathtaking villa and estate by the 18th century.
In 1834, the Salvadego family took over the property and it remained their home until the 1960s. After this, however, the palace was abandoned and allowed to fall into ruin. In 2002, due to heavy snow, a section of the manor even collapsed and, in 2005, the municipality thankfully teamed up with a group of entrepreneurs in order to buy and save it. Handed over to the newly established Castello di Padernello Foundation (a non-profit that was established to care for and promote the castle and the surrounding area) the castle was carefully restored and became a tourist attraction that was opened to the public via guided tours.
The project of the castle was not just to restore and protect this singular structure but to also make the a cultural, artistic, and historic attraction that would safeguard the history, identity, and traditions of the territory now and into the future. Furthermore, the Castello di Padernello Foundation aims to be a key player for a new and renewed relationship between human beings, history and nature. This, therefore, is why much more goes on at the castle today beyond the tours of the property itself – fascinating as this may be; bringing visitors to view the working drawbridge, the keep, the original kitchens with their wonderful terracotta floors, the grand dining room, the library, the chapel, the inner courts, and more. The tiny but thriving local community is also highly engaged with the castle and it is used as a site for all sorts of events and uses from markets to exhibitions of the work of local and international artists, book readings by authors, theatrical productions, concerts, food tastings and special presentations, workshops, and much more besides.
For regular visits, perhaps when no special event is taking place, there are lots of excellent little eateries to choose from in town. There are pizzerias where you can order a pie and some craft beer, the Vegnot Inn which is a charming family-run eatery with nice outdoor seating, the warm and welcoming Osteria Aquila Rossa where you can try flavours of the culinary tradition of the "Terre Basse", and more. And, if you want to venture out into the surrounding landscape and see things like the San Vigilio bridge, a work of art made of chestnut branches between 2007 and 2008 by artist Giuliano Mauri in the woods of the village and crossing a tributary of the Savarona canal near the monastery of San Vigilio, then you can even borrow bikes at the castle. Ask about this when you get there in order to organise it during your visit on a vacation in Lombardy!
Guided tours must be booked in advance and entry without a reservation is not guaranteed. You can book online, choosing the day and time, for up to a maximum of 20 people. Larger groups will need to contact the Castle secretariat directly. Tours can be offered in Italian, English, Spanish, and Italian Sign Language and will show you the building, the architectural details, the art, tell you about the legends and history, and discuss the restoration works that were undertaken to restore this stunning gem.
So, if you are considering a holiday in Lombardy, be sure to venture out into the magical landscapes of the region and to set aside time for day trips to visit some of the most remarkable attractions in the area, such as the lovely and bustling and dynamic Castello di Padernello – surely one of the most exciting and special little local attractions in all of Italy!
Padernello Castle Foundation
Via Cavour, 1 Padernello
25022 Borgo San Giacomo
Brescia
+39 030 9408766
info@castellodipadernello.it
Guided tours (and entry to the castle, therefore) times:
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 10am and 15pm
Saturday at 10.30am, 2.30pm, 3.30pm and 4.30pm
Sunday at 10.30am, 2.30pm, 3pm, 3.30pm, 4pm, 4.30pm, 5pm, 5.30pm
Closed on Monday.
Open year round but closures are on the following holidays: from December 23rd to January 5th, Easter day and the two central weeks of August.