CASTELLO DI CERNUSCO LOMBARDONE

A thousand-year-old fortress amid rebellions, legends, and rebirths

Nestled in the rolling Brianza countryside, strategically located between the Montevecchia hills and the first hills of Lecco, stands the Cernusco Lombardone Castle, guardian of a history spanning over a thousand years. Its presence is documented as early as 927, when the toponym "Cisinusclo" appears for the first time in local records. However, it was during the 11th century that the structure assumed a central role in the turbulent political and social events of the era.

At that time, the Milanese territory was divided into parishes, true religious and political entities that answered directly to the authority of the Archbishop of Milan. Cernusco was part of the Parish of Missaglia. During the reign of Archbishop Ariberto da Intimiano (1018–1045), the embodiment of highly centralized power, a system of control based on relationships with the local nobles was established. In exchange for benefits and privileges, they guaranteed loyalty and defense to the archbishop's power.

But the balance was fragile. Popular discontent grew, fueled by the excessive power of the lords and a religious authority perceived as distant and oppressive. A violent revolt erupted: the common people rose up, forcing the nobles to flee and take refuge in Milan. In this climate of rebellion, the castles—symbols of feudal power—became strongholds of resistance. Cernusco Castle, seat of the supreme podestà, was one of the main centers of the struggle.

The archbishop's repression was brutal. After a long siege, the rebels were overwhelmed, and the castle fell. But the population, grieving their defeat, rebelled once again: they angrily demolished the very fortifications they had defended, in an extreme and symbolic gesture.

Despite the destruction, Cernusco Castle rose again. Over the following centuries, it was rebuilt and transformed into a stately residence. Its stones saw a succession of important dynasties: first the Petroni family, then the Castelli family, and finally the Cernuschi family, a noble family whose name was linked to the town. Over time, the structure lost its strategic function and assumed a rural and residential role, adapting to the tranquility of the surrounding landscape and the changing times.

For centuries, the Castle was owned by the Counts of Lurani Cernuschi, who preserved its architectural dignity until the arrival of its current owner. The latter faced the most complex challenge: restoring the castle to its ancient soul through a careful and respectful restoration carried out in the 1990s, under the supervision of the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage. The renovation took only two years. The Castello has been private residence for the actual owners until 2015 when they decided to open to the public. There are in fact for rent two suites and a double room in the north wing, whilst the east and south wing are the owners apartments. 

The forniture inside the Castle is partially been passed out through the generations of the owners, and part of it has been buyed.

The project preserved the original construction typology, highlighting the irregular structure resulting from the modifications made over the centuries and the adaptation to the topography of the land. The stone, exposed brick, and river pebble walls elegantly alternate, creating evocative spaces that blend seamlessly with the surrounding nature.

Two ancient towers dominate the building: one, square in plan, probably dating back to the 11th century, constructed of split pebbles and rubble, located on the northwest corner; the other, more recent, circular tower stands on the southeast corner and is constructed of mixed masonry with rough-hewn ashlars and river stones. The main body of the castle features a refined herringbone brick layout and houses an elegant portico with rounded arches, stone columns, and sculpted capitals.

But the history of Cernusco Castle is not limited to official documents: it also lives on in the legends passed down through the centuries. It is said that underground passages once connected the fortress to the nearby forest, used in times of danger. During restoration, a hidden trapdoor was discovered, fueling the theory of a secret escape route. There are rumors of deep wells where enemies were imprisoned, and of the presence of Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, who supposedly stayed in the ancient castle during his campaigns in Lombardy.

Today, the Cernusco Lombardone Castle presents itself as a timeless place. It has been restored to its former splendor, welcoming visitors and guests in an atmosphere that blends history, nature, and architectural beauty. Every stone, every arch, every tower tells a story of the past, making this residence not only a cultural asset but also a living experience to be discovered and remembered.