Castles in the vicinity of our vacation homes in Abruzzo by the sea

Because of the widespread presence of castles and fortified structures in its territory, Abruzzo is called the Bavaria of Italy. There is no village or town that does not have its tower or fortified enclosure, erected over the centuries for defense purposes. Whether they are ruins or have been restored and turned into museums, these fortifications are one of the region’s most fascinating cultural attractions.

Below we present a number of castles to visit in the vicinity of our vacation homes in Abruzzo by the sea.

ARAGONESE CASTLE OF ORTONA

The Aragonese Castle is one of the symbols of Ortona. Set above a high cliff called “la Pizzuta,” it delicately overlooks the shores of the Adriatic Sea. The fort, as we know it today, was built in the 15th century on the ruins of older medieval buildings. It originally had a trapezoidal floor plan and four cylindrical towers, of which only three remain, showing typical features of military architecture. It suffered heavy bombing during World War II, which was followed by restoration in 2001. It is currently a garden surrounded by walls and towers that offers enchanting scenic views.

The castle is linked to the legend of the Return. One day a rich merchant was welcomed into the king’s court, met his daughter and fell madly in love. The king promised to grant him the hand of his daughter only if she brought him something extraordinary as a gift. The merchant embarked but never returned. The princess did not rest until the stormy sea led her back to her beloved at the bottom of the sea. In the morning fruits never seen before appeared on the beach. They were the gift for the king.

CASTLE OF ROCCA CALASCIO

Absolutely not to be missed is the Castle of Rocca Calascio. According to the prestigious international magazine National Geographic, it is one of the most beautiful fortresses in the world. Set on a ridge at nearly 1,500 meters above sea level, it dominates the Tirino valley and the Navelli plateau. The original construction dates back to the year 1000 but its present appearance can be traced to the 15th century, when the courtyard and four corner towers were added around the central keep. It still retains the wall structures and even a very rare original battlements. The white, iridescent stone makes it especially striking. Little trivia: The castle has been the set of major film productions, including the 1985 film “Ladyhawke” starring Matthew Broderick and Michelle Pfeiffer.

CASTLE OF ROCCASCALEGNA

Castle of Roccascalegna is one of the most popular destinations in the region. It stands on a rocky outcrop from which it overlooks the village, the Rio Secco valley and the Sangro valley. The birth of the castle is linked to the presence of the Lombards in the area although the first written records date back to the 12th century. Until the 18th century, a time when historical records of it are lost, it always served as a lookout and defense. Only recently, after three centuries of neglect, thanks to a restoration completed in 1996, has it been restored to its former glory. It deserves a visit at sunset, when lights and atmosphere are at their best.

Here, according to one legend, the custom of “ius primae noctis” or the right of the feudal lord to take the place of the husband on the wedding night, was born. It was introduced by an edict in 1646 by Baron Corvo de Corvis, who ended his days, the story goes, stabbed by a young bride who would not submit to his rule.

PICCOLOMINI CASTLE OF CELANO

The historic center of Celano, a small town in the province of L’Aquila, is home to the fairy-tale Piccolomini Castle. Medieval-Renaissance in style, it was finally completed and transformed from a military construction to a stately home in 1463 by Antonio Todeschini Piccolomini, nephew of Pope Pius II. Badly damaged by the 1915 earthquake, it was restored between 1955 and 1960. The castle consists of a central rectangular block with corner towers embellished with Ghibelline-style battlements. Since 1992 it has housed: the Marsica Museum of Sacred Art, which displays paintings, stone and wooden sculptures, and valuable goldsmithing; and the Torlonia Collection, consisting of artifacts found during the draining of Lake Fucino.

DUCAL CASTLE OF CRECCHIO

Crecchio’s Ducal Castle is also undoubtedly worth a visit. Located between the two streams of the Arielli and Riopago rivers, it shows in its building lines the transformation undergone over the centuries from a purely defensive core to a residential architectural organism. The date of construction is not known with certainty. However, it can be said to have developed from a preexisting tower dating back to the 12th century. Although it stands, like much of Crecchio, on a gentle hill about 200 meters high, there is a wide and fascinating panorama from the castle. Its interior houses the Museum of Byzantine and Early Medieval Abruzzi, which displays valuable artifacts of exceptional archaeological value.

PICCOLOMINI CASTLE OF CAPESTRANO

The Piccolomini Castle in Capestrano is one of the most interesting fortified complexes in the region. It stands in the center of the town, at the highest part, from which there is a magnificent view of the Tirino Valley. It was erected in the second half of the 15th century by incorporating the remains of a medieval fortification, as suggested by the square inner tower placed irregularly in relation to the rest of the castle. Its history is linked to the succession of illustrious families, from the dukes Acquaviva di San Valentino to the Piccolomini, until the advent of the Medici. A small military museum dedicated to the two great wars is housed inside.

CASTLE OF TAGLIACOZZO

And last but not least is the Tagliacozzo Castle, of which only a few ruins remain, from which one can enjoy a wonderful panoramic view. According to scholars, it is one of the oldest castles in Marsica. It was presumably built on the site of a pre-existing oppidum equo by the Marsi counts around the mid-11th century. Although it was restored several times, it failed to withstand the decay and wear and tear of the times by slowly falling into disrepair. Next to the fortification are the remains of the Church of St. Cecilia.

Photo Castle of Roccascalegna © Castello Medievale di Roccascalegna