Castello di Castrocucco, Medieval castle in Maratea, Italy
Castello di Castrocucco is a fortified complex in Maratea built on a rocky hilltop overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, with the remains of around twenty buildings, a watchtower, and a small church visible today. The site contains foundations and partial walls that trace out residential structures, storage areas, and other facilities used by the medieval occupants.
The fortress was founded around the year 1000 as a defense against raids by seafaring pirates who threatened this coastal region. Over the centuries, residents gradually departed until the settlement was completely abandoned.
The ruins reveal a densely packed settlement where small and larger buildings stood side by side, showing how residents shared this exposed hilltop. The humble church with its faded wall paintings offers a window into the spiritual life of the isolated community.
Access to the site is via a local road from Maratea that reaches the base of the hill, from where a walking path leads to the summit. The ground is uneven and steep in places, so sturdy footwear and time for the climb are recommended.
One of the baronial structures on the site was converted into a seaside holiday facility in modern times, blending ancient ruins with contemporary leisure use. This repurposing reflects how the old settlement was drawn back into the recreational life of the region during the 1900s.
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