A long time ago, the Castle was only a small group of fortified houses and its aspect was very different form today's layout.  
The castle is surrounded by some ancient external walls, dating back to the first part of the Middle Ages (9th century) and never restored. It is protected by a moat which, in the dangerous moments, had to isolate the “villa” from the external attacks (like in every castle). The castle is visible from very far away, even if it is not on a hill, thanks to its six towers and wide crenellations, which were used by the defenders to protect themselves. 
A small avenue of 150 meters, which enters in the northern part of the park, leads the visitor  to the façade of the big building. The central tower has painted on it the symbol of the castle’s owners .

                                                                                          From http://www.castellosanlorenzo.it/index.html