The Castle of Sinio

Sinio boasts, among its many buildings of historical and artistic interest, a work of true architectural achievement: the fifteenth century castle stronghold at the top of Sinio. This imposing building replaced Marquis Franceschino del Carretto’s medieval manor house. In this way, it was turned into a fortified late-Gothic palace with a pre-existing quadrangular tower, which was unfortunately demolished just over a century ago. Upon its sale by the last counts of Vassallo di Castiglione, it was turned into rural accommodation. The castle’s facade is characterized by double lancet windows facing towards Piazza Marconi, a large pointed arch entrance, a decorative brick stringcourse, single lancet windows and a painting. The fresco, recently restored, depicts the abbot Saint Anthony and St. Sebastian with the Madonna and Child at the center. The image dominates the elegant doorway, which features the Del Carretto coat of arms.
Although the painting’s author is unknown, the style is recognizable as that of the Monregalese School of fresco painters active in the fifteenth century. While the stronghold has undergone significant changes, especially since 1897, it has nevertheless maintained its principle characteristics and overall appearance of a manorhouse. In 1975, the famous sculptor Umberto Mastroianni donated a highrelief to Sinio as a tribute to the thirtieth anniversary of the resistance.
The building renovations, carried out in compliance with the original architectural layout, are now completed; making the castle headquarters an important tourist destination.