Castagnole delle Lanze - The Park of Remembrance

The peak of the hill of Castagnole, between the current Ruscone and Artuffo streets, was in the Middle Ages totally occupied by an imposing castle. From the top of its tower, it was possible to see the entire territory of Castagnole and therefore every enemy threat approaching.

The castle was destroyed in 1255 and the entire area passed among the assets of the Community and was mostly sold. In 1878, it was purchased by Count Paolo Ballada of Saint Robert, a great scholar, military expert and promoter of scientific culture, among the best of his time. The Count settled the house, transformed the land into an English garden and in 1880 commissioned the construction of a 14-meter tower, just above the remains of the medieval castle. Sold to the City in 1883, the immense property hosted first the schools of the chief-city, later moved to Giovannone Square, then in 1885 the first Regi Carabinieri station, later transferred to the lower side of Saint Bartolomeo.

The large park was assigned by the Municipality to the Park of Remembrance, in memory of Castagnole’s inhabitants fallen during the First World War. Even during World War II the partisans often used the tower to control enemy movements, which is why Germans had plans to destroy it. The tower maintained its important role throughout the post-war period: it became the symbol of the capital during the local elections of 1948, when the country was divided between Torre and Treno, two rival lists.

Today the Tower of Count Ballada can be visited through a path that accompanies visitors on a journey through the passions of Saint Robert, with a museum dedicated to him, managed by the cultural association Tower of Count Paolo Ballada of Saint Robert. From the terrace of the tower, you can also enjoy a breathtaking view of the entire Alpine arc.