Mornico Losana

Its fortified village appearance is owed to the Belcredi family, who built a castle there to defend themselves from attacks by the Piacentini. It served as an outpost for the main castle of Montalto, the fief to which Mornico belonged.

Over the centuries, it suffered several assaults and was assigned by the Sforza to various Piacenza families. Under Spanish rule, it returned to the Belcredi, who kept possession until the first half of the 19th century, transforming the fortified village into a manor house.

The Castle, very evocative, now appears as a splendid residential palace and is used as a venue for events. It stands on the top of the hill and dates back to 1190.

Given its position, it undoubtedly had a strategic function and served as an observation post against enemies coming from the valley below. Many noble families took possession of the manor over the centuries, including the Visconti, Sforza, Strozzi, Taverna, and Belcredi.

The building visible today was entirely rebuilt in the 16th century. Only the perimeter foundations of the underground area remain from the medieval period.
A crenellated tower rises to its full height, with its current appearance dating back to the late 19th century, while the loggia was added in the 1940s.
Notable are the artworks inside, including several 18th-century paintings and a grand marble staircase dominating the entrance hall.

At the entrance to the village, you can find a beautiful swimming pool surrounded by greenery, offering an exceptional view of the Oltrepò Pavese hills.

Also noteworthy is the nearby chapel, which preserves a precious altarpiece and 18th-century paintings, as well as ancient liturgical books.

(Source: www.borghiecastelli.eu)