Visconti Castle (Binasco)

The Visconti Castle of Binasco is a medieval castle in Binasco, Metropolitan City of Milan, Lombardy, Northern Italy. It is famous for having been the prison and execution place of Beatrice di Tenda (Duchess of Milan and wife of Filippo Maria Visconti), who was arrested and sentenced to death for adultery in 1418. Today, it is the seat of the Municipality of Binasco.

History
Luchino Visconti, Lord of Milan, built the castle, probably between 1315 and 1319, when the nearby church of Saint Stephan was erected. Its first mention dates back to 1329 when Azzone Visconti and his uncle Giovanni used it as a prison for their political opponents.

The building followed the Visconti castle model of the Lombard plains: a quadrangular layout with a central courtyard, corner towers, and the surrounding moat. The walls were made entirely of exposed brick.

In the 17th century, the castle underwent transformations and restorations. At the end of the 19th century, it was sacked during the Napoleonic age, and in 1869, a devastating fire struck it. The current building results from repeated restorations that preserved the appearance of the initial castle. Two towers are still visible along the south front.

Today
In good condition, the castle belongs partly to the Municipality of Binasco and partly to the Province of Milan. It hosts public offices of the town council, the public library, and the Carabinieri station.