ヴァルファッブリカの洞窟・トップ16

The town lies on a hill, with a central castle and a double concentric circle of houses. The castle of Armenzano has ancient origins, and is worth a short stop

The Castle stands on a small hill, a short distance from the Chiascio River and along the borders that divided the territories of the Municipality of Assisi from those of Perugia. Built almost entirely of sandstone blocks, it still retains the clearly visible walls that mark its rectangular development, with corner towers. The entrance gate is protected by a mighty tower with turrets, on which the slots for the drawbridge's lowering are still clearly visible. The Castle was mentioned as early as 1114 in documents kept in the Archives of the Cathedral of Assisi. Due to its particular position, it was the scene of power struggles, which continued until the 15th century. In 1479, together with the Castles of Rocca Sant'Angelo, Mora and Beviglie, it was the subject of significant restoration work by the Municipality of Assisi. It can still be admired today in its original structure, only partially altered due to the partial transformation for residential use.

Nice hike, impressive view from the top and the crest of Monte Subasio. It is quite challenging at the beginning! Important to know: if you are planning to hike in summer be aware that along the trail you will be attacked by swarm of horseflies! Cover arms and legs!

The castle is located on a rocky peak, making the construction of a motte unnecessary. The walls are protected by square corner towers. The large keep and the walls date back to the castle's early days. The battlements and machicolations attached to the walls are clearly visible. On the first floor of the palace there is a large ballroom with rich decorations. The inner courtyard is quite small in relation to the entire complex. In the middle of the 15th century, Giacomo Piccinino built a twelve-sided tower to the west of the castle on a wall with a battlement. The last extension took place in 1538. A round bastion was built at the entrance, which could accommodate artillery.

The Castle of Palazzo di Assisi was born in 1385 to defend the city of Assisi. Cambio (or Cagno), a feudal lord of Lombard origins, had this fortified village built with noble towers, his heirs (hence the name 'Castle of the sons of Cambio') later connected the towers with massive walls, those which today constitute the four corners of the quadrilateral village. The fort was thus able to play a role of considerable importance in the continuous wars between Perugia and nearby Assisi, becoming the last defensive bastion opposed to the Perugians before they could move towards Assisi without further obstacles. The castle stands in a once marshy area. Even today you can see the signs of the ancient drawbridge intact, symbol of a rich history of trade that passed through the Palace of Assisi. The lord of the castle "Cambiava" goods and coins, hence the name "Cambio".

There is no certain information on the date of foundation of this castle nor on the origin of its name. Biscina, derived from the word "biscia", could refer to the course of the Chiascio river which draws curves downstream that recall the movement of a snake. What is certain is known that between the 10th and 14th centuries the castle was part of a complex of fortifications belonging to the Bigazzini di Coccorano, the local lords. Today the structure is in a state of abandonment, the last renovation dates back to the seventies but the complex was seriously damaged by the 1984 earthquake.

The Rocca Maggiore Castle dates back to the 12th century. It can be seen from any distance or location in the valley. It dominates and towers over the hill of Assisi, surrounded by rich vegetation. Assisi, the city of peace and spirituality, has been characterized by constant wars, popular uprisings, famine and plague in its past. The castle is the most authoritative evidence of this today. The castle can be visited inside for an entrance fee of €6. Even though it appears sober today and houses only a few objects, the bare walls and narrow corridors can be seen through the slits, as well as the suffering and pain that people felt in this place back then.

The castle complex, which can be seen from afar, dates back to the twelfth century and belonged to the Coccorano family. In earlier times it connected three important points in the surrounding region and was of strategic importance in order to be able to defend against possible enemies. Over the years it passed through the hands of numerous owners who had it restored several times.