MEDIEVAL TOWER OF MESENZANA

A fragment of the Middle Ages that stands out in the heart of Valtravaglia, telling stories of ancient times... 

The Ariann Tower, in Mesenzana, is the only surviving structure of the medieval castle of the lords of Masanzana, which belonged to the fiefdom of Valtravaglia, under the control of the Archbishop of Milan.

The tower was built in the 13th century, although some sources suggest its origins may date back to the Lombard era. The medieval fortification included the keep, a private chapel dedicated to Santa Maria di Castello, and several dwellings and warehouses. The castle, after dominating the region for over three centuries, was destroyed in 1515 by the French to prevent the Swiss Landsknechts from finding refuge there.

After a period of decline, the tower was purchased by private individuals in 1926. They rebuilt the crenellated top, inspired by Milan's Sforza Castle, and added an external staircase to convert it into a residence. In the 2000s, the municipal administration, in collaboration with local historians, undertook a restoration project that returned the tower to its original form, making it accessible to the public.

Today, the Torre di Ariann is an important historical and cultural landmark for Mesenzana. The structure can be visited by appointment and hosts cultural events, including the traditional Medieval Festival, held annually in the village. During this festival, the tower becomes the beating heart of historical reenactments, tournaments, and performances that bring the medieval atmosphere of the town back to life.