Castle of Novello

The impressive building overlooking the town’s fortress, high above the vineyards and woods, surrounded by thick, chestnut trees, is a construction of the last century, completed in 1880. The castle was designed by G.B. Schellino of Dogliani (1818-1905), a leading piedmontese example of the Gothic and eclectic, along with the architects P. Palagi, E. Melano, respectively active in Pollenzo and Racconigi, whose works are fundamental in understanding 19th century architecture.
The new structure stands on the still visible remains of the medieval castle, which on June 13th 1224 became the property of William VI, Marquess of Montferrat. The following year it was taken over by the Marquis Jacopo del Carretto as an investiture granted by the Republic of Asti. In 1268, following its division among Jacopo’s sons, it became the property of the firstborn son, Conrad Carretto. F. Gonin (1808-1889) in one of his publications described the high massive wall of the original castle. Mrs. Mary Allara Nigra, educated woman and amateur writer, commissioned the present building.
For information, we rely on the taste and knowledge of G.B. Schellino, a self-taught friend of the architect Antonelli, who, despite his country residence, documented and updated the catalogs of the world exhibitions and publications of the time.

Currently the building is used as a restaurant featuring a large modern dining room alongside the old seventeenth century rooms adorned with original frescoes and decorations.