Castle of the Pio Family (Castello dei Pio)

The Castle of Carpi represents a great symbol of the power of the Pio family. Built in the heart of the town, between the medieval Piazza Re Astolfo and the monumental Piazza Martiri, it is the surprising result of the combination of a plurality of buildings erected between the 14th and 16th centuries, and connected to each other to form a single structure, whose appearance, despite the heterogeneity of the architecture that characterises it, is extraordinarily elegant and balanced.

The majestic eastern façade, crowned by a series of windows and niches and framed by slender pilasters, is particularly interesting. In the centre stands the imposing clock tower with its monumental vestibule. The north-eastern corner is enclosed by a circular tower with a high batter, above which stand the corbels supporting the roof; at the rear stands the Torre di Passerino, featuring a quadrangular plan and surmounted by a dovetail battlements. The south-eastern summit culminates in the Torrione di Galasso, which features alternations between windows and crenellations with carinated arched niches. Behind the southern wing is the inner courtyard, with a continuous portico on all four sides with marble columns and capitals topped with round arches.