Cigognola and the Castle of the Conspiracy

The village of Cigognola is known for its scenic 13th-century castle perched on a hill: impossible not to recognise it from afar, with its tall square tower embellished with Ghibelline merlons.

Cover images taken from the Facebook page of Castello di Cigognola

The Lords of the Feud of Cigognola

The first mention of Cigognola is found in a deed of gift dated 22 April 982. It is mentioned again in Federico Barbarossa’s diploma of 8 August 1164, relating to the jurisdiction of Pavia. In 1372, the manor was attacked and conquered by John Hawkwood, an English captain of fortune who pursued a military career and fought for King Edward III of England during the Hundred Years’ War and also led other battles in our peninsula.

⚔️Il feud was lordship for centuries of the powerful Pavia family of Sannazzaro, the main exponents of the Ghibelline faction in the Oltrepò Pavese.
Their decline began in the 14th century, and in 1406 they were ousted following the intrigues of the Beccaria of Pavia, who seized the fiefdom. However, in 1415 it was confiscated from them in the conspiracy against Filippo Maria Visconti.

The fief was then granted to Giorgio Aicardi, progenitor of the Visconti Aicardi family, who held it until the 18th century, when it passed to Barbara d’Adda Barbiano di Belgioioso and then to her son Alberico XII, the last feudal lord of Cigognola.

What to see in Cigognola

The village is located about 6 km from Broni and about 15 km from Casteggio.
A magnificent panorama can be enjoyed from the historic centre of Cigognola. The visit allows you to see:

• ⛪the parish church of San Bernardo Abate di Chiaravalle (1623) who is the patron saint: restored in the 18th century by Count Giuseppe Visconti Scaramuzza who added the bell tower. Inside are paintings by Giovanni Evangelista Draghi (1743) and a work by Rodolfo Arata (19th century).
  
• 📷Parcodelle Rimembranze: the highest and most scenic spot in the village, with views of Monte Rosa and the Alps and children’s games.
  
• 🏰Cigognola Castle (13th century): a splendid medieval fortress towering over the Scuropasso Valley.
  It was built by the Sannazzaro family, extended in the 16th century and remodelled in the 19th century. All the noble families that succeeded one another in owning the feud resided at the castle, which was the scene of historical events such as the Malatesta conspiracy against Filippo Maria Visconti.
  The body of the fortress, with its beautiful slender tower, is surrounded by walls and an embankment.
  An access staircase leads to the polygonal inner courtyard and one can admire the magnificent entrance door with wrought iron knocker and studs.
  The interior features fine furniture, antiques, rich woodwork, elegant carpets and refined wallpaper.
  Nothing was left to chance by architect Renzo Mongiardino, who was called in to redesign the castle.
  
  Today, the castle and adjoining vineyards are owned by the Moratti family and are among the most prestigious sites for the production of classic method sparkling wines in the Oltrepò Pavese area. 🍾 A hymn to Pinot Noir.
  
  Our article dedicated to Castello di Cigognola reveals many other details.
  
• ⛲Talanca Well (1859): historic water point used for agricultural purposes, located along a hiking trail.

Image taken from the Cigognola Municipality website

Tourist information

• B&B Monteguzzo – Locality Monteguzzo, 6 a place to relax amidst nature
• Domus Paradisi Restaurant – Valle Cima locality. Some film scenes were also shot here.
• Scuropasso Restaurant – Strada Vallescuropasso, 85, with its traditional menu

Patrons and annual events

• Feast of San Bernardo – 20 August. The Pro-Loco of Cigognola has several times organised this village festival for the patron saint’s day.

Those who want to immortalise breathtaking landscapes, be tickled by the bubbles of excellent sparkling wines and immerse themselves in the medieval atmosphere that the castle can offer with its incredible charm cannot miss a stop at the village of Cigognola.