Castello di Moccò, Medieval castle in San Dorligo della Valle, Italy.
Castello di Moccò sits on a hilltop between the Karst plateau and Mount San Michele, overlooking the Rosandra Valley and the Bagnoli settlement below. From this elevated position, the fortress could control access to both geographical areas and served as a key defensive point at this strategic border location.
The fortress was first documented in 1233 and changed control between Venice and Trieste several times throughout the medieval period. Local inhabitants destroyed it in 1511 after it had already suffered significant damage from these power struggles.
The fortress reflects how border defenses were built and modified over time, with its original towers later adjusted to match the surrounding walls. These changes show how the structure adapted to different defensive needs as military techniques evolved.
The main access to the fortress is through the northwestern path, which offers the most direct route to the site. Wear suitable shoes for the climb as the terrain can be uneven and slippery in places.
A 9-meter section of wall with an arch opening remains visible and bears traces of World War I modifications. The opening was altered during that period to accommodate a machine gun position within the fortress's defensive line.
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