Castello di Larciano, building in Larciano, Italy
Castello di Larciano is a medieval fortress located on a gentle hill in the town of Larciano in Tuscany. The structure features robust stone walls, a tower rising about 120 feet (36 m) high, and contains several buildings including a church, a palace, and a central keep within its perimeter.
The fortress was built in the late 11th century by the Conti Guidi di Modigliana family as a defensive structure for the local population. In 1226, Pistoia took control to strengthen its hold over the southwestern Montalbano territory.
The name Larciano likely derives from the Latin "Larcius," reflecting the area's ancient roots. Today, the thick stone walls and narrow windows reveal how medieval residents built their defenses and organized daily life behind these fortifications.
The keep and walls are freely accessible for exploration around the grounds, and visitors can climb the tower for views over the countryside. The Civic Museum located in the basement contains artifacts spanning prehistoric to modern times but has some accessibility challenges.
The walls still display holes called "bholenlöcher" that once supported an elevated walkway for guards to patrol unseen. A deep cistern at the center of the castle stored water during sieges, ensuring the inhabitants had access to this precious resource when trapped inside.
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