Castle of Fondi, Medieval fortress in Fondi, Italy
The Castle of Fondi is a medieval fortress with a rectangular plan, four cylindrical corner towers, and a large square central tower. It now houses the city museum, where visitors can see Roman artifacts and learn about the structure's military design and noble rooms.
Construction began in the late 12th century with a square tower and continued through the 15th century under the direction of the Caetani family. This gradual expansion made it one of the region's major defensive structures.
During the 16th century, this fortress became a gathering place for artists and writers when Julia Gonzaga established her court here. Her presence transformed it into a center where intellectuals and creative minds could exchange ideas and work.
The castle is accessible from the town center with clearly marked pathways throughout the grounds. Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to climb the towers, as the steps can be steep and the views from the top are worth the effort.
A hidden underground passage runs through the castle walls and once saved Julia Gonzaga from a pirate raid. This secret tunnel helped her escape when corsair Kai-Ed-Din attempted to seize her during an attack on the fortress.
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