At the beginning of the 13th century, under the ruling Bicchieri family, the Roppolo Castle (Castello di Roppolo) was an important border fortress for the Vercelli troops at war with Ivrea and the ruling families of Canvese. During the fighting between the Guelphs and the Ghibellines, the castle belonged to the Bicchieri family, recognized leaders of the Ghibelline faction. In 1441, after many wars, the castle became the property of the Savoy. The castle was built surrounding a tower which, constructed around the 10th century, is the foundation of the present tower. This would be a square keep with basic and severe lines. The castle’s trapezoid layout is visible on three sides; near the fourth side, instead, a wall that connects to the other parts of the complex has been built. The main entrance is located on the longest side, with a lovely portico in front, “copied” on the other side to connect the body of the keep. Two roads branch out from the main entrance: one leads to the castle’s little square and the other leads to the castle’s shelter below which, once connected to the castle as is shown by the outer defensive structures and the tower, leads to the public road. Since 1980, the castle has served three functions: the cellars, recuperated from the original structure and restored, house the seat of the Serra Regional Wine Cellar (Enoteca); the ground floor has a restaurant that is connected to the Enoteca; the top floor has been outfitted for hotel hospitality services.
