The Ugo Da Como Foundation is composed of a stronghold, a museum and a library. The stronghold (XI sec) was increased by the Visconti and later by Venetian. Today the Stronghold houses an ornithological exhibition and the residence of thePodestà (XV sec. museum). It has an excellent art collection while the library has 52000 old documents. The first records of a Castle of Lonato date back to 909, in a controversial charter attributed to King Berengario. During the Visconti domination, defense works and embarkments were erected in 1395 and the fortress assumed the proportions of today. The Castle was considered by the Venetian Most of the fortifications were dismantied during the last century. The fortress became property of Senator Ugo Da Como, a distinguished fellowcitizen who also restored the ancient Casa del Podestà. Today it is the seat of the Ugo Da Como Foundation.
