The Castelle tower

Now considered the symbol of the town of Gattinara, the Castelle Tower with its unmistakable appearance is all that remains of an ancient medieval fortified complex built around the 11th century. The first documents that mention this fortified system, which encircled the entire surrounding hillside area, date back to the 12th-13th centuries. It consisted of two masonry enclosures (i.e., the Castelle) occupied by numerous buildings among which the tower stood out. Between the two city walls stood the Church of St. John, which after two different restoration works, first in the 16th century and then in the 18th century, was destroyed in 1950 to make way for the current Chapel of the Madonna of Snow, by the Gattinara Alpine Section.

The area where the tower is located is freely accessible and can be reached by car or a short walk of about 15 minutes from the city centre. Once at the top, you can enjoy an exceptional view of the surrounding vineyards. A perfect place to admire the sun setting behind the rows of vines, and to experience the thrill of being a child again by trying to sit on the now iconic Giant Red Bench.