Castello Visconteo

In 1885 one of the historic textile industries of Monza, the Frette company built its headquarters (which has recently become the premises of a trade chain) upon a slight high ground by the River Lambro - called “abalta” (ab alta ripa) in a document from 879. The building partially imitates the shape of a castle - which is not an accidental architectural choice.

As a matter of fact, the Castle of Monza stood right there, where the Duke of Milan, Galeazzo I Visconti, wanted it after conquering the city. It was a four-sided castle that guarded the city gates and the road to Milan. It is remembered for its impressive fortified tower more than 40 m high that was surrounded by massive walls and forts and became known as the tower “Torre dei Forni”. It was turned into a very harsh prison where the Visconti’s political enemies were locked up after being lowered into their cells from above. Galeazzo I himself was among the first to experience the harshness of his own work not long after its construction. Indeed, in 1327 he was locked up there for a few months at the request of the Emperor Louis the Bavarian because he and his brothers, Giovanni and Luciano, were accused of the murder of another brother called Stefano.

In time the castle underwent many sieges. The most famous is that of 1413, which saw Estorre Visconti - lord of Monza from 1407 - endure the Count of Carmagnola’s army until he was mortally wounded. His body, which was mummified by natural causes, is kept in the Monza Cathedral today.