Padernello Castle

Culture, food and legends of the Brescian Plain: welcome to Padernello Castle

Take a deep breath of the scent of wheat and freshly cut grass. The drawbridge comes down and reveals a medieval coat of arms with an imperial eagle, signs of an important past time in which the Martinengo family ruled the territory of Brescia and made it strong and powerful.

Stories of ghosts, secrets and traditions surround this fortress that played a key role in the landscape of the Bassa Padana.

History of Padernello Castle

Padernello is a small village in the Brescian countryside in which time seems to stand still, home to the castle that has dominated the surrounding area for centuries.

The existence of an early fortified centre is documented as early as the late 1300s, but over time the castle was transformed in response to the needs of each era. In the 1700s, it was transformed into a stately residence by the architect Marchetti, who also directed the construction of Brescia’s Duomo Nuovo. Four thousand square meters, 130 rooms, including a ballroom and a chapel dedicated to Saints Faustino and Giovita.

A historic residence of the Martinengo family, who commissioned the building, it later came into the possession of the Salvadego family, who lived there until the 1960s. For over forty years, the manor remained neglected and in 2002 suffered a tragic collapse. Finally, in 2005, the Municipal Authority of Borgo San Giacomo and La Società Castelli & Casali, a group of local entrepreneurs, saved it from ruin.

Today the castle is a major point of reference for quality cultural activities. Environment, art, theater, music, literature, history and food&wine: the broad offering means that everyone to find their own space within this splendid Renaissance setting.

The legend of the White Lady

If you like legends, you will be interested to hear the chilling story of the White Lady, the kind you tell on late summer evenings around a bonfire. The protagonist is a shy, melancholy girl who was born in Brescia and retired to Padernello Castle to find peace. One evening, while sitting on the battlements of the walls, she spotted some fireflies and leaned over the edge to fly with them. She died at the age of 14.

Since that evening, every 10 years on the night of July 20 her ghost comes to the castle hall. She wears a white dress and in her hands holds a golden book that hides a secret: The Secret of the White Lady.

Exhibitions, guided tours and Markets of the Land

The Padernello Castle Foundation organizes guided tours, by reservation only, to explore the ancient manor and learn about its history. Book your visit now!

Another symbolic initiative of Padernello is “I Mercati della Terra” (Markets of the Land), a Slow Food project that promotes agricultural biodiversity. Events are held monthly at Padernello Castle, through an international network of small producer markets where you can sample and buy typical local produce.

Finally, we point out that until December 21, 2025 the spaces on the main floor of the castle will host the exhibition “Custodire.” An immersive installation that uses photographs and reproductions to tell the story of the fundamental role played by Padernello Castle in the protection of Brescian masterpieces during World War II.

To keep up to date with news and events, visit the official website of Padernello Castle.