Ca Ferro Castle

The construction of the castle-like complex took place around the mid-16th century by Peter a Pro. He was the son of Jakob a Pro, who had previously built Seedorf Castle in Uri. In contrast to Seedorf Castle, which was influenced by French and South German architectural styles, Ca Ferro emulated the medieval defensive architecture of Upper Italy. Peter a Pro was a respected figure of his time, serving as bailiff's clerk in Lugano, colonel in French service, and multiple times as Landammann of Uri. The castle gained a reputation as a mercenary barracks, where warriors for military service were recruited and assigned to their units. After the extinction of the a Pro family in the late 16th century, the estate passed into private ownership.

Ca Ferro Castle is located in Minusio, in the district of Locarno, in the Canton of Ticino, Switzerland. It stands at an elevation of approximately 205 m above sea level directly on the shores of Lake Maggiore.

The multi-part building complex consists of a large residential wing, a freestanding quadrangular tower, and a forecourt with a small chapel. The quadrangular tower features loopholed windows and an overhanging upper structure with keyhole embrasures. A short stone bridge connects the residential wing to the tower. The residential wing itself surrounds an inner courtyard and has a small bell tower and a quadrangular tower with a flat pyramid roof. Despite large window openings, the massive window grilles create a somber impression. The former surrounding wall has been replaced by a hedge, which better highlights the chapel with its Renaissance portico. Today, the habitable parts of the castle serve as apartments.

• Castello Visconteo (castle), approx. 2.5 km away
• Castello San Materno (castle), approx. 4.1 km away
• Castello dei Griglioni (castle), approx. 4.7 km away
• Castello Marcacci (castle), approx. 13.7 km away