On Saturday 31 October 2026, the Visconti Castle (Castello Visconteo) in Pavia becomes a spine-tingling setting for young visitors with the Special Halloween, a creative visit for families taking place at 4:00 pm and 9:00 pm. Led by a guide, children aged 6 to 11 will hunt for a mysterious coat of arms and then design their own, reinterpreting the symbols of the Visconti tradition in a personal (and slightly scary) way. Admission is free, with booking by email.

The event’s invitation comes in rhyme in the original Italian: “In the Visconti castle, among mysteries and strange tales, there are symbols to find and a coat of arms to complete!” A playful way to turn a visit to the castle into an adventure designed with children in mind.

Event: Special Halloween at the Visconti Castle – creative visit for families

Date: Saturday 31 October 2026

Times: 4:00 pm and 9:00 pm

Location: Visconti Castle (Castello Visconteo) in Pavia

Who it’s for: children aged 6 to 11

Cost: free admission

Booking: by email at prenotazionimc@comune.pv.it

With the contribution of: Lombardy Region 

The creative visit is designed as a game of discovery. Accompanied by a guide along the way, children take part in a fun hunt for the mysterious coat of arms: the goal is to look closely, spot the symbols to be found and complete the coat of arms. An activity that turns the rooms and details of the castle into clues to decipher, encouraging curiosity, observation skills and a desire to discover.

From the hunt to the workshop: creating your own spine-chilling coat of arms

After the search, it is time to move from observation to creativity. Each child will create their own coat of arms, reinterpreting the symbols of the Visconti tradition in a personal and, of course, spine-chilling way. An opportunity to introduce young visitors to the language of heraldry and to the history of the family that shaped the fortunes of Milan and Pavia for centuries, all in a Halloween atmosphere.

Halloween costumes: an invitation to children

To get into the spirit of the celebration straight away, the organisers invite children to arrive already in costume. Witches, ghosts, little knights or mysterious creatures: any costume will be perfect to accompany the visit.

The Visconti Castle stands in Piazza Castello, in the historic centre of Pavia. It was founded in the 14th century by Galeazzo II Visconti at the beginning of Milanese rule over the city and became one of the symbols of the family’s power. Today the complex houses the Pavia Civic Museums (Musei Civici) and is one of the most fascinating places to discover in the city, in every season.

The Visconti symbolism, of which the Biscione (the serpent) is the most famous emblem, is the real protagonist of this Halloween afternoon and evening: among coats of arms, emblems and symbolic figures, the castle becomes the ideal setting for a visit that combines fun, culture and a touch of suspense.

Participation is free but booking is required: to reserve a place in one of the two sessions, at 4:00 pm or 9:00 pm, write to prenotazionimc@comune.pv.it. The event is aimed at children aged 6 to 11 and is realised with the contribution of Lombardy Region  

When does the Special Halloween at the Visconti Castle in Pavia take place?

On Saturday 31 October 2026, with two creative family visits: the first at 4:00 pm and the second at 9:00 pm.

Who is the creative visit for?

Children aged 6 to 11, accompanied by a guide during the coat-of-arms hunt and the workshop.

How much does it cost?

Admission is free.

How do I book?

Booking is by email: write to prenotazionimc@comune.pv.it.

Can children come in costume?

Yes, in fact: the organisers invite children to arrive already dressed up to get into the Halloween atmosphere straight away.

To discover more ideas for celebrating Halloween in the province of Pavia, check the VisitPavia events calendar.

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