Travellers on the ridge which connects La Morra to Novello admire the iconic castle of Volta.
Constructed in 1100 by Manfredo of Saluzzo, it has dominated the skyline to the west of the town of Barolo for over 900 years.
From Manfredo, ownership passed in 1349 to the Falletti family, who unwittingly orchestrated a tragedy.
This event occurred around 1350, when a great festa was organised in the castle courtyard to celebrate victory in battle over Matteo Visconti. Nobles and courtesans attended in great number, and the party was in full swing when a storm hit.
Soaked through, the partygoers transferred to an upstairs room, where they undressed to hang their clothes to dry before the fire; wine and all that bare flesh had their natural effect, and the party took on an entirely different flavour.
At a certain point, the wooden floor collapsed under the weight, and amidst the dead and injured, a fire took hold. Despite valiant efforts to put out the fire, it is believed that there was but a single survivor, who endlessly recounted the scenes, in the conviction that the events of that night were God’s punishment of the sinners.
The castle was sealed, bodies and all. It now belongs to the Marchisio di Barolo, and legend has it that nobody has set foot inside since that fateful night.
