he medieval origins of Longhignana Castle are evident from the structural details that can be seen in the old maps: it originated as a manor-house complete with towers, fortifications, moat and drawbridge.

Being so close to the city, it was used by one of the first owners, Bernabò Visconti, as a hunting lodge for shooting parties in the surrounding countryside that was rich in game.
Howevwr, the transformation into the countryside that we see today was the work of the Humiliati monks. During the period prior to 1456, the year in witch they sold the castle to Vitaliano Borromeo, the monks constructed a system of springs witch meant that the marshy ground and bogs could be turned into fields and irrigated meadowns.

Under the Borromeo dynasty, the castle enjoyed its period of greatest splendour. As the residence of Lodovico Borromeo and his bride, Bona Maria da Longhignana, it became a prince's palace, visited by the aristocracy and royalty for whom sumptuous banquets were organized in the south-facing gardens.

Today, haowever, thanks to the keen work of the current managers, Longhignana Castle has once again become the meeting place for people who enjoy their time to the full and appreciate historical traditions.