Built in the 13th century as a military outpost, the Manta Castle underwent a major overhaul in the 15th century thanks to the ruler of the Marquisate of Saluzzo, Valerano, who transformed it into a lavish family home when the fiefdom of La Manta was established. He commissioned the beautiful frescoes in the Baronial Hall, which stand as unique testaments to the knightly culture of the time.
The myth of eternal youth is depicted by the fountain of youth, surmounted by the god of Love. In the mid-16th century the Hall of Grotesques was created, with a wonderful ceiling decorated with paintings and stuccos that bear a clear Mannerist imprint, inspired by those in Raphael’s loggias at the Vatican. Very much worth visiting are the service spaces, including the cellars and the large kitchen with its vaulted ceiling and immense fireplace; the castle church embellished with significant frescoes on the Passion of Christ; and the park overviewing the delightful hillsides of the Varaita Valley. Donated to FAI by Elisabetta De Rege Provana in 1985.
Film Commission Torino Piemonte
Via Cagliari 42 — 10153 Torino
Phone: +39 011 2379201
Fax: +39 011 2379298
Email: info@fctp.it
Contacts FAI - Fondo Ambiente Italiano
Via Carlo Foldi 2 - 20135 Milano
Telefono: +39 02 46 76 15 393
Email: m.pizzorni@fondoambiente.it
