Photo: Arbalete, Public domain · Wikimedia Commons
At a glance
- Type
- Castle
- Commissioned by
- Frederick Barbarossa
- Protection
- Italian national heritage
- Coordinates
- 45°18′45″ N, 9°29′56″ E
- Address
- Piazza Castello, 30
History and description
The Visconti Castle of Lodi is a historical building in Lodi, Lombardy, northern Italy. As it appears today, it is the result of transformations made on a Middle Age castle founded in the 12th century by Frederick Barbarossa. Its name derives from the Visconti family, lords and dukes of Milan, who in the 13th and 14th centuries took possession of and then rebuilt the original fortification.
History
Lodi in the 12th century was among the Lombard cities that initially supported the emperor Frederick Barbarossa in the war engaged by him against Milan and the Lombard League. The castle was built by the emperor near the door of the city on the way to Milan, located about 30 kilometres north of Lodi. It was used by the imperial forces during the war and especially for their devastating attack to Milan in 1162.
In the first half of the 14th century the castle was acquired by members of the Visconti house during the period of their initial expansion. Later, the castle became part of the dominions of Bernabò Visconti and rebuilt by him between 1355 and 1370. In 1416 Filippo Maria Visconti reinforced the ravelin. In 1456 Francesco Sforza added a round tower to the northern corner of the castle.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the rounded tower (Torrione) was elevated to host the supply tank of the mains water. Since then, it has become a landmark of Lodi.
Text from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0. Full article: «Castello Visconteo».
People
Events and people from Wikidata (CC0).
Photos
Getting there
LodiTrain, nearest
400 m as the crow flies
Castello VisconteoPiazza Castello, 30
Aeroporto di Milano-Linate23.1 km
Distances are as the crow flies, not walking or driving.
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Nearby
See on the mapMore castles in Lombardy
Frequently asked questions
Where is Castello Visconteo?
Castello Visconteo is in Lodi, in the province of Lodi (Lombardy), Italy. Address: Piazza Castello, 30. GPS coordinates: 45.31239, 9.49898.
What else is there to see near Castello Visconteo?
Nearby you’ll find: Palazzo Barni (200 m away), Villani Palace (200 m away), Vistarini Palace (300 m away).
Sources and licences
Text. Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Data. Wikidata (CC0); opening hours and contacts OpenStreetMap (ODbL).
Photos. Wikimedia Commons, author and licence on every image.
Credits for the 3 photos
- Lodi Castello Visc — Arbalete, Public domain
- Lodi Castello — Arbalete, Public domain
- Lodi, il castello (xilografia) — Unknown author Unknown author, Public domain
Updated 28 October 2026. All sources and licences