Castello di Maniago, Medieval castle ruins on St. James' Hill in Maniago, Italy
Castello di Maniago is a medieval fortification perched on a hilltop above the town, displaying the ruins of a central tower and several connected buildings arranged around an inner courtyard. The structures show how defensive and residential spaces were combined in a single complex.
The fortress was commissioned in the 11th century by the Patriarch of Aquileia following a land grant from Emperor Otto II for administrative control. Over subsequent centuries, the property changed hands among different noble families who shared control over its territories.
The castle grounds reflect the lives of various local families who held power here across medieval times. Walking through the site today, you can sense how closely daily life and military defense were intertwined in the design.
To explore the ruins, take the walking trail starting from Maniago's center up to the hilltop, where informational signs guide you through the site. The path is straightforward and the signage helps you navigate the layout without difficulty.
The central tower, known as the Turris Magna, was built with such solid construction that parts of it survive to this day and remain the most visible element at the ruins. Its preservation gives visitors a clear sense of medieval building techniques.
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