Isabella Mueller Baroness of Stainton le Vale
Near Moncalieri, a charming town in the Turin area, stands the mysterious Castello Della Rotta, a small castle with a long and fascinating history. But this château also bears the disturbing nickname “The Castle of Fear.” It is said to be the most haunted castle in Italy. But what makes this castle so spooky? Let’s go on a journey together to uncover the secrets of Castello Della Rotta! Castello Della Rotta was built in the 11th century, but its origins may be even older. Originally built by the Romans for strategic reasons, it served to protect the bridge over the Banna stream. This bridge was essential for traffic on the important Roman road to Pollenzo. After the Romans withdrew, the Knights Templar took over the castle and held it for over three centuries. However, this period was not peaceful, as the castle was the scene of two bloody battles in 1639 and 1706. A fascinating theory suggests that Castello Della Rotta was built on a ley line, which is said to increase the amount of paranormal energy. In the late 20th century, the castle fell into a state of disrepair and was used as a dumping ground for unused building materials. Due to its desolate condition and remoteness, locals began to regard it as a haunted house. A few decades later, the castle experienced a turnaround. After extensive restoration work, its historical significance was rediscovered. But this is where the eerie events began: during this work, the restorers discovered several skeletons, including the remains of a knight who had been buried with his horse. He wore a large iron cross around his neck, suggesting that he may have been a Knight Templar. The legends about Castello Della Rotta are endless, but some ghosts stand out in particular. One of the most famous ghosts is the knight who haunts the castle grounds on his horse. It is said that he is forever searching for his lost honor and his hometown. Another eerie apparition is the ghost of a priest who was sentenced to death in 1400. It is said that he planned cruel crimes and was beheaded for his plans. Today, he can still be seen wandering around with his head in his hands. A grim image that sends shivers down the spines of those unlucky enough to encounter him. Also among the ghosts is a blonde woman who took her own life due to her unhappy and violent marriage. The stories about her vary, but the essence remains the same: her pain and grief seem to have never left the castle walls. Not to be forgotten are the ghosts of a reading cardinal and a mysterious man in black. And every year on the night of June 12 to 13, a ritual ghost procession passes through the castle grounds. An event that reflects the beliefs of the locals and keeps the ghosts alive. The myths surrounding Castello Della Rotta are deeply rooted in local folklore. The ghost of a hooded monk is often sighted. According to legend, a former nobleman fell in love with a beautiful woman. However, their wedding was interrupted by a brutal attack by the Saracens. The bride fled to the nearest tower and threw herself to her death to escape her pursuers. The nobleman, devastated by the tragedy, swore revenge and became a Templar monk. Since then, he has been searching for the murderers of his beloved and wanders through the halls of the castle. There is also the sad story of a naughty little boy who once lived in the castle. He drove his nanny to despair because he often ran away and got into trouble. One day, while the nanny was looking for him, she found him smiling in the courtyard. In a moment of anger, she yelled at him, and when he turned to run away, he was hit by a horse-drawn carriage and died instantly. The shocked nanny then took her own life. Today, both the boy and his nanny haunt the corridors of the castle as ghosts. Castello Della Rotta is not only a historical monument, but also a place where the shadows of the past live on. The stories surrounding the ghosts and legends make the castle a captivating destination for history lovers and those interested in the paranormal alike. Although the castle is now privately owned and not open to the public, interest in its secrets remains. Perhaps one day someone will open the gates to bring the ghosts of the past to life and tell the stories hidden within the walls of Castello Della Rotta. Until then, it remains a place where the traces of times past and the ghosts that dwell there continue to fascinate and frighten.
