San Giuseppe Castle

History

The site has held significant historical importance as a military observation point—from the summit of Mount Albagna overlooking Lake Sirio—dating back to the ancient Romans during their war against the Salassi.

In 1640, Tomaso Barberio from Guarene, a veteran of the Savoy militia, withdrew into hermitage on the mountain where the castle now stands. There, he built a chapel dedicated to St. Joseph, inspired by a pre-existing votive shrine. In April 1661, the Bishop of Ivrea authorized the establishment of a confraternity, which soon welcomed 150 friars. The hermitage was initially entrusted to the Teresians and later to the Carmelites, who obtained permission from the Holy See to build a convent, which became known as the Convent of St. Joseph. For a long time, the site remained one of the most frequented sanctuaries in the region.

Converted into a fortification during the Napoleonic era, it later became a noble residence and a gathering place for artists and writers, including Arrigo Boito, Eleonora Duse, and Giuseppe Giacosa.