Castello di Valcasotto

An enchanted place
In 1837, Charles Albert was enchanted by the atmosphere of peace and tranquillity that enveloped the ancient Certosa di Casotto and decided to purchase it as his personal estate and turn it into a summer residence dedicated to hunting, one of the favourite pastimes of the House of Savoy.

The old Carthusian monastery
The abbey complex, nestled at the foot of the Monregalese mountains between Garessio and Pamparato, was founded by Carthusian monks between 1090 and 1172. In the early 18th century, it underwent some major renovations that gave it a rigorous and monumental appearance, more akin to a noble palace than a monastery. Rich in charm is the church façade designed by Bernardo Vittone in the mid-century and built in local green stone, in stark contrast to the red brickwork of the rest of the building. Around the church, between two courtyards, were the monks' cells and guest quarters.

The Royal residence
The abandonment of the Carthusian Monastery after the suppression of the monastic order by the French government (1802) made it necessary to adapt it to accommodate the court of Charles Albert. The old church was also adapted to be used as a royal chapel.
By 1860, the architect Carlo Sada and his team of painters (Dionigi Faconti and Angelo Moja), decorators (Giuseppe Trivella and Carlo Isella) and carvers (Gabriele Capello) had set up the new royal apartments in the former Carthusian monks' quarters, characterised by an intimate and domestic dimension far removed from the splendour of the stately homes. It is in these rooms that one discovers the more everyday side of the royal family.
In addition to Charles Albert, the mansion was particularly loved by the first king of Italy, Victor Emmanuel II, and his children, in particular Princess Marie Clotilde, who chose the peace of Casotto to spend her summers.

In the 20^th century
Owned by the Savoy family until 1881, the residence was sold to private owners. The subject of study campaigns promoted by the Polytechnic University of Turin, in 2000 it became part of the heritage of the Piedmont Region which, together with the Superintendency, has begun its complete renovation to use it as a museum, educational centre and accommodation facility according to innovative criteria of sustainability and eco-compatibility.