This review looks at the NOTTURNO AL MANICOMIO DI COLLEGNO, a unique evening experience in Piedmont that promises mystery, history, and a touch of the eerie. The tour, priced at around $38 per person, offers a fascinating peek into Italy’s largest old asylum with an exclusive look at its archives and iconic structures.
What makes this experience stand out? We love the nighttime ambiance, which transforms the site into a hauntingly beautiful space; the access to the rarely-opened Historical Archive—a treasure trove of vintage photographs and documents; and the guides’ passionate storytelling that truly brings the past to life. However, it’s important to note that the tour’s limited time and scope may leave some wanting more detail or a broader exploration.
This tour is best suited for history buffs, those interested in mental health or architecture, and travelers seeking something more authentic and thought-provoking than typical sightseeing. If you’re intrigued by Italy’s lesser-known stories or enjoy atmospheric excursions, this could be a memorable addition to your trip.
Good To Know
- Exclusive Access: Tour includes access to the asylum’s private Historical Archive, usually closed to the public.
- Evening Atmosphere: A night entrance creates a hauntingly memorable scene perfect for fans of mystery.
- Rich Storytelling: Guides share compelling stories—ranging from famous cases to the evolution of psychiatric treatments.
- Historic Site: The Certosa Reale of Collegno adds architectural and historical depth to the experience.
- Duration & Value: 2.5 hours for $38 offers good value considering the rare access and storytelling.
- Limited Scope: Some reviews mention the tour feels brief; it mainly covers the outside and archive, not extensive inside exploration.
An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience
Find more activities and experiences we've covered in Collegno.
Starting Point and Atmosphere
Your evening begins at the designated meeting point, ideally 15 minutes early to settle in before the tour kicks off. The tour is set to run rain or shine, so dress appropriately, especially for an outdoor and evening excursion. As darkness falls, the asylum transforms into a site that feels both majestic and haunting—a perfect setting for a night walk through Italy’s most significant psychiatric institution.
The Night Entrance and Exterior Views
The exclusive night entrance immediately sets the tone. Unlike daytime visits, the night view emphasizes the asylum’s imposing architecture and silent corridors. Visitors often comment on how the atmosphere elevates the sense of mystery. The grounds themselves are a mix of well-preserved historic buildings and open spaces that evoke feelings of stepping into a different era or a ghost story.
Guided Tour with a Passionate Archivist
Leading the way is a dedicated archivist—one of the few remaining witnesses with a personal connection to the asylum’s history. This guide isn’t just reading from a script but shares stories that connect deeply with the site. We hear about the famous “Smemorato di Collegno” (The Amnesiac of Collegno) and the patients’ revolts, which reveal a darker, more complex chapter of psychiatric care.
One reviewer, Monica from Italy, highlighted the tour’s emotional impact, saying, “A beautiful experience that touches you deeply and makes you think a lot.” The guides’ intimate knowledge and storytelling skills help transform historical facts into compelling narratives that stick with you long after the tour ends.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyThe Historical Archive: A Hidden Treasure
A standout element is the access to the asylum’s Historical Archive, usually off-limits. Here, vintage photographs, original documents, and artifacts tell stories of the people who lived and worked there. This rare glimpse into the past adds a human dimension to the tour, making the history feel personal.
Visitors have described this part as the most touching, as it brings to light the struggles and lived experiences behind the institutional facades. For many, it’s a sobering reminder of how mental health care evolved—and how much remains to be learned.
The Certosa Reale of Collegno
The tour also includes a visit to the Certosa Reale, a 17th-century monastic complex that later became the core of the psychiatric hospital. Walking through this historic site offers a visual link to the building’s religious past and its transformation into a place for mental health care. Its architectural grandeur provides a stark contrast to the asylum’s darker history, giving visitors a broader understanding of the site’s layered story.
What’s Covered and What’s Not
The tour covers the external parts of the asylum, including key buildings and grounds, and the archive, but does not involve extensive inside exploration of the hospital’s wards or patient areas. Some reviewers, like Denise, felt the experience was a bit brief for the price, mentioning that “we saw very little besides the outside and some photographs.”
The focus is more on storytelling and historical context rather than physical exploration, which suits those interested in history and storytelling rather than hands-on exploration.
Overall Value
At $38 for 2.5 hours, most find the tour to be a good value, especially considering the exclusive access and engaging guides. It’s not a comprehensive, in-depth inside visit but rather a curated, atmospheric experience balanced with storytelling and rare archive access.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This experience is ideal if you’re fascinated by history, architecture, or mental health stories. It’s perfect for travelers seeking a thought-provoking, atmospheric outing that offers more than typical sightseeing. The evening setting and focus on stories make it appealing to those who enjoy stories with a touch of mystery or the macabre.
However, it might not be suitable for young children, pregnant women, or visitors with mobility issues, due to the nature of the outdoor, evening environment. It’s also not recommended for groups looking for a lively party or casual stroll—this tour leans toward reflective, educational storytelling.
Final Thoughts
The NOTTURNO AL MANICOMIO DI COLLEGNO offers a rare chance to step into Italy’s expansive and complex history of mental health care at night, with access to archives that unveil stories seldom seen by the public. The combination of atmospheric surroundings, passionate guides, and historical insights makes this a compelling choice for visitors wanting a meaningful, slightly eerie experience.
While some may find the tour a bit brief or focused on the outside, the overall atmosphere and storytelling create a memorable journey. It captures a chapter of Italy’s past that is as fascinating as it is unsettling, providing ample food for thought long after leaving the site.
If you’re curious about history, architecture, and human stories behind mental health institutions, this tour offers a unique and thought-provoking glimpse into a largely hidden world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour suitable for children?
No, it’s recommended for travelers over 12 years old due to the nature of the content and the evening outdoor environment.
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours, from the meeting point to the end.
What is included in the price?
The ticket covers the guided tour and exclusive access to the asylum’s Historical Archive. Food, drinks, and transportation are not included.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking in advance is recommended to secure your spot, especially since the tour is scheduled at specific times and runs rain or shine.
Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the scheduled start for a full refund.
Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
No, it’s not suitable for those with mobility impairments due to outdoor conditions and walking involved.
Are there guides speaking in languages other than Italian?
Currently, the tour is conducted in Italian, so non-Italian speakers should consider translation options or understand that the guide’s language is Italian.
What should I wear?
Dress appropriately for outdoor conditions and the weather, as the tour takes place outside during nighttime.
Will I see inside the buildings?
No, the tour mainly covers external views and historical sites, with access to the archive and some outdoor areas.
This detailed review should help you decide whether this atmospheric and historic tour fits your travel interests. With its mix of storytelling, architecture, and exclusive archive access, it’s a compelling way to explore Italy’s complex mental health history under the cloak of night.
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