Castello di Gragnano, Medieval castle ruins in Gragnano, Italy.
Castello di Gragnano is a medieval fortress in Gragnano, Campania, that overlooks the Valley of Mills. Of its original three defensive walls, twelve towers, and three gates, visitors today see remaining sections of the fortification, tower bases, and a vaulted entrance that hint at the structure's former scale.
The fortress was founded in the 10th century by people from Amalfi to defend the region against Lombard and Norman raids. It reached its peak during the 13th century before declining in importance after the fall of the Duchy of Amalfi.
The Church of Santa Maria dell'Assunta sits within the castle walls, showing how religious and secular life existed side by side here. The place was more than a fortress: it was a lived-in center where daily routines and worship were interwoven.
The castle sits in central Gragnano and is easy to reach on foot, with pathways that follow the original Roman street layout. Visitors should expect uneven ground and lack of modern paving in some areas.
Known as Castrum Granianense, the complex was once a complete town with hundreds of residents, not merely a fortress. This is still visible today in how the buildings are arranged and how streets were laid out to serve everyday living.
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