Visit Abruzzo's Beautiful Castles in L'Aquila

inWRITTEN BY OUR GUEST BLOG WRITER:  MARIA LACIVITA
 
Do you know what Abruzzo and Bavaria have in common?  
 
Abruzzo is sometimes called the "Bavaria of Italy" because of the large number of beautiful castles, fortresses and fortified cities that exist here in our area. 
 
Abruzzo boasts having over 700 castles in this small region of central Italy.  If you have already been to Abruzzo, you may have seen a few of these beautiful and impressive buildings.   
 
For those who have not visited Abruzzo yet, I wanted to share a bit about these not to be missed castles. If you are a history, culture or nature lover, or if you simply enjoy walking and discovering new places ~ this article is for you. 
 
So, let's talk about some of these treasures of Abruzzo…
 
To tell you about each castle and fortress I could write an entire manual, after all there are 700 of them! I have chosen a few to highlight in the Province of L'Aquila: some are well-known and others less known but still worth exploring. 
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The Province of L’AQUILA

Roccacasale - Castello De Sanctis 
Where better to start than our own Roccacasale: as those of you who have visited already know, one of the most important symbols for the citizens of our village, and one of the most interesting tourist destinations, is the Castello De Sanctis. 
 
Documents indicate construction of the castle to be around 925 AD. Over time and in addition to weathering it became a ruin. It was also subject to invasions by several families. Sadly, it was partially destroyed in 1803 by the French. 
 
The municipality of Roccacasale started renovations to the castle in 1994. To date, the events hall has been completed, and most recently the stairs that will take you to its highest point.  Although some parts of the castle are missing, it is a real gem.  

But most people come to Roccacasale to walk the steep incline up to the castle for the most amazing view you will ever see.  These views from the castle are famous throughout the valley.  In addition to spectacular views of the Peligna Valley, the castle hosts numerous events that animate the village, filling it with music, events and local news… especially in the summer months. 

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Calascio - Rocca Calascio  
One of the most famous castles in Abruzzo is the castle of Rocca Calascio. There are many reasons for its fame. 

​Firstly, the tower at 1,520 meters high represents one of the highest castles in all of Italy.

Secondly, it was one of the filming locations for the films LadyHawke, The Name of the Rose, and The Journey of the Bride and finally, this castle has also been included by National Geographic in the list of the 15 most beautiful castles in the world.  
 
Built in a strategic military position, this allowed sightings and communications with the surrounding areas.  In fact, it is possible to observe the castle of Bominaco and vice versa. 
 
The castle of Rocca Calascio is a real gem of Abruzzo, which once seen, remains in the hearts of everyone who sees it. 

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Capestrano - Castello Piccolomini 
The castle of Capestrano was built in the 12th century and is linked to the Dukes of Acquaviva from San Valentine, the Piccolomini and the Medici families. 
 
The old entrance to the castle (pictured) was found with a drawbridge allowing soldiers to cross the moat.  The castle underwent restoration works in 1924.  During restoration, the entrance was moved to the opposite side of the castle and included cutting a door and 5 windows in where now see the main entrance. You can walk around inside and climb the outer walls where you can see the spectacular view of the Tirino River Valley, hills and mountains.
 
These days it is home to the local Commune which accounts for its immaculate condition.  Many of the town’s annual festivals take place at or near the castle.  You can even hire the castle for weddings or personal events.  It is really worth walking around and taking in its history.  There is no charge to walk around or even to view the small military ‘museum’ run by the locals.

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Castrovalva degli Abruzzi 
The province of L'Aquila is most likely the richest in castles and fortresses, some imposing with others smaller and hidden. In fact, the forth one I want to share with you is the fortified medieval village of Castrovalva. 
 
In the Valle del Sagittario, Castrovalva is located on a spur of rock just under 1000 meters high. The unspoiled nature that surrounds it still allows the free growth and movement of fauna, and animals including the Marsican bear of Abruzzo. 
  
What is interesting about this small village? It was the destination of many trips by the Dutch artist Maurits Cornelis Escher: he made many trips to Italy and Abruzzo discovering a region full of parks, uncontaminated villages, which at the time were also difficult to reach, around which the eye was lost between nature and vegetation. In these places the artist began to experiment with new forms of reality realization and he does it completely distorting the perspectives. From this period emerges one of his works which is part of the Escherian collection, the “Castrovalva” lithograph.

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Visit Abruzzo and experience these beautiful castles and medieval villages for yourself.  Stay at
​La Rocca Mia House B&B and let them escort you to your favorite castle!

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