Castle of Donoratico, Medieval castle ruins in Donoratico, Italy

The Castle of Donoratico stands on a low hill near Donoratico, in the municipality of Castagneto Carducci. Of the complex, destroyed around the mid-15th century, only ruins of the outer wall circuit and the tower remain. The tower, once the lordly residence, still rises to its original height; its west side, part of the north front and the south side survive, the latter leaning against a second, lower tower of later date.

The fortress was first documented in 1176 and served the Della Gherardesca family as their main stronghold until King Alfonso of Aragon destroyed it in 1447. Archaeological findings show the site had been settled since ancient times.

The castle is linked to Count Ugolino della Gherardesca, whom Dante placed in the XXXIII canto of the Inferno; legend holds that he lived here. Giosuè Carducci, attached to the Maremma, cited the Torre di Donoratico in his poem Avanti! Avanti!, lending credit to the legend.

The castle stands on private property of the La Torre estate and can only be viewed from the outside. The best approach is via the SS1 Aurelia and SP16 roads, turning right after about a kilometer.

The tower's ruins were restored in 1929, when some stones were removed and taken to Castagneto Carducci to build the bell tower of the propositura of San Lorenzo. The site also holds traces of a stone and terracotta floor and the remains of the church of San Colombano.