MIRADOLO CASTLE

Miradolo Castle houses the headquarters of the Cosso Foundation, beside the Pinerolo hills at the entrance to Val Chisone and Val Pellice where the majestic bulk of Monviso spectacularly soars into view. A park of over six hectares surrounds the property, once the home of the Massel di Carasena and Cacherano di Bricherasio families. The park is inspired by informal English gardens and is distinguished by its vaguely oval shape, enhanced by delightful bays of luxuriant vegetation facing onto a great central lawn. Its origins lie in the eighteenth century and it still shows traces of the project and taste of its nineteenth century extension which gave it its romantic landscaped appearance. Majestic secular trees and exotic species are strikingly beautiful: at the park entrance visitors are greeted by a glade of Taxodium, a Ginkgo biloba and a horse chestnut; a little further on an ancient yew overlooks the great central lawn. The high box hedges run along the boundary walls leading guests to discover other giants in the park including a sequoia, a bamboo wood, an old asplenifolia beech and a liriodendron, the tallest tree in the park. The presence of many rivulets and its particularly successful position from the climatic point of view, make the site remarkably interesting, also ecologically, an ideal habitat for many animal and plant species including the numerous hydrangea varieties. The path around the Castle also leads to the particular circular tower and the neo-Gothic lemon house, an ample space for cultural events, receptions and meetings.

In 2017, ten years after the Cosso Foundation began to look after the Park, the development project “Invitation to the Park” was initiated, with new aids for visitors such as seasonal audioguides and maps, also for the visually- and hearing-impaired. Thematic guided tours, workshops and learning activities for every age are held all year round.