The castle was founded by Gian Galeazzo II Visconti in the 14th century on family land where the village of Belgioioso would later be built. The term ‘gioioso’ is said to derive from the pleasure the Duke took in staying here, while ‘bel’ was added after the castle was embellished with ornaments. However, not all of Gian Galeazzo’s successors appreciated the place. So it was that in 1412 Filippo Maria Visconti first granted the castle to Manfredo Beccaria and then, in 1431, entrusted it to Alberigo II da Barbiano. The Barbiano family gave great impetus to the village and, after a period of decay, Don Antonio Barbiano allowed the castle to take on its present appearance, adding the gate and renovating the gardens and greenhouses. All that remains of the original fortress is the brick structure with battlements, behind today’s neoclassical façade. Today, the castle hosts numerous exhibitions, festivals and events that attract visitors from all over Italy.