The Castle of Soiano del Lago (ENG)

The castle of Soiano

The Castle was built during the 10th century as a place of refuge and overlooks the Valtenesi area, maintaining visual contact with the castles of Polpenazze and Moniga, the fortress of Manerba and the fortified settlement of Soiano.

The Castle of Soiano stands around what remains of the structure of an ancient roman stronghold, as testified by some of the castle's supporting structures and by the discovery of fragmentary funereal and votive inscriptions, one of which is still preserved inside the ramparts. It was built probably following the invasion of the Hungarians in 899, an invasion that went on for more than 50 years, after the fall of the Franks’ empire, succeeded by the Longobards’ empire. 

lt belonged to a single defence system together with the castles of Desenzano, Lonato, Padenghe and Moniga. They are all "castle shelters", that are addressed to host and to safeguard from sacks and enemy incursions the inhabitants of the town with their animals, household effects and foodstuffs. All these castles have never been the abode of a lord or a feudatory, but they have always symbolized an idea of self-defence of the District and their citizens. Indeed during all the Middle Ages until the Serenissima Republic, the castle was the place, in which the heads of the household gathered to elect their delegate - the consuls - and to reflect about the most important issues of the community.
An important remake of the castle was made in 1330, when Mastino della Scala, lord of Verona, supported by the entire Benacus Riviera, tried to conquer Brescia. Defeated Mastino, the entire area was ruled by John of Bohemia. Then, the Riviera passed under the rule of the Serenissima Republic until the Cisalpine Republic. During the centuries, the castle was always necessary as refuge for the population and for their poor possessions, from the passages of armies in war, dedicated to oppressions and sacks. 

The tower, rebuilt at the beginning of the eighteenth century together with the drawbridge, is equipped with bells, in favor of the parish Church. Sold to privates at the beginning of 1900, in 1985 Omodeo Salè family gave the ownership of the ancient castle to the council of Soiano.
The entrance is made up of an imposing fortification, which is still in good condition; on the right we can find the fortified tower and the clock-tower. Moving beyond the entrance, we can find a little courtyard with access to little rooms on both sides, inhabited up to dozens years ago. Then, there is a large space, dedicated to shows and summer events.
On the bottom, we can see the rest of the corner-towers on the east side, from which there is a wonderful view on the lake and on the hills, full of fields of vines and olive trees. In good condition is all the surrounding wall. The castle, surrounded by the council park, can still quite rightly be considered the symbol and the heart of the community.