Rocca Sillana, castle in Pomerance, Italy
Rocca Sillana is a medieval stone fortress on a hill near Pomarance, rising over 500 meters (1,640 feet) above sea level and overlooking the Valdicecina Valley. The complex features a central guard tower from the 11th or 12th century, thick polygonal walls with corner turrets, gates including Porta Volterrana, residential buildings arranged around a courtyard, and archaeological finds such as pottery, arrowheads, and a sword.
The fortress was built between the 11th and 12th centuries and later received improvements in the 15th century from famous architect Giuliano da Sangallo, who reinforced the walls for firearm use. By the 16th century it declined, was used as a hideout by bandits, and lost its military role until donated to the municipality of Pomarance in the 20th century.
The name Sillana comes from the medieval word 'silvanus', meaning 'wooded', reflecting the forest-filled landscape that shaped life in this region. The fortress was a strategic location controlled by different rulers over centuries, showing its importance to local communities.
Access is through the municipality of Pomarance and reachable by car with parking available nearby. Guided tours run during holidays and summer months, with special evening visits from July through August, so check opening times in advance.
The interior contains a remarkable archaeological layer from the 11th or 12th century with pottery, arrowheads, and a sword showing everyday life and combat from that period. These artifacts were excavated and provide a rare window into the human side of medieval defense that goes beyond the mere architecture.
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