Enticed and intrigued by a tourist poster driving along the flat motorway that leads from Brescia to Piacenza, we decided to pay a short visit to the SoncinoCastle.
In spite of the cold and grey winter day we have to admit that it was really worth a detour.

The stop was little due to the weather intemperance and other engagements, but we could admire, at least from the outside, this suggestive building rising up on the plain.

We promise ourselves to come back to visit the interior of the Castle and the town which seemed to hide pleasant surprises.

A short history:

The first historical accounts date back to the 10th century, when the first boundary wall was built.

Like all the strongholds it was contended by several city-states and seigniories.

In 1473 it was rebuilt in a single year following the plan of Sforza military architects.

It was renovated in 1536 to become the residence of the Stampa marquises.
The last Marquis left the stronghold, nearly a ruin, to the town of Soncino (1876).