Pandino, Visconti Castle

The Visconti Castle of Pandino (Cremona) is the best preserved among all buildings, which the noble Visconti family had constructed in the 14th century. It was built following the will of the lord of Milan Bernabò Visconti and his wife, Regina della Scala, as a hunting house. The outside is typical of lowland castles, with corner towers around a porticoed yard, with pointed arches at the ground floor and an arcade at the upper floor. Outside it stands out for its single lancet windows, as well as for its double lancet windows with trefoil arches on the main floor. In the 14th century, all of its rooms were decorated with frescoes, including the stalls, which are now used as library. The defence towers at the two gates were added in the 15th century, while in the 17th century the ceilings and the floors were entirely rebuilt. The castle is today the seat of the town hall. The public can visit it with guided tours.