Along the road that leads from Alba to Cortemilia, on top of a hill to the right, lies the village of Borgomale, dominated by the castle “of the five towers”, dated to the 15th century.
Despite some documents attesting to the presence of a fortified settlement a little after the middle of the 13th century, the complex was built during the 15th century, with the construction of a large tower. The building’s unusual feature was its five towers, which have disappeared over the course of the centuries, and the façade also underwent significant changes, particularly in the 17th and 18th centuries.
The structure is built on a polygonal base. The main block, with five levels, and a covered ramp closing the courtyard were built in the 17th century. Of interest is the central tower, whose various elements on different levels (windows at different heights, a long arrow slit for the drawbridge, four stone brackets) testify to the complex stratification of the different construction phases.
The building is composed of several floors. On the ground floor is a large armoury and cellars, and on the upper floors are halls, kitchens and rooms of various types. The top level, accessed via an 18th-century balustraded staircase, has a parapet, opening onto a wide terrace.
The castle is majestic but somewhat gloomy and grey. It is believed to be the setting for the tragic medieval legend of Nella of Cortemilia, the noblewoman locked up in the castle by her cruel uncle, Count Lionello, who opposed the love between her and his son Oldrado.
