Monsummano Castle, Medieval fortification in Monsummano Alto, Italy.
Monsummano Castle is a medieval fortification built on a hilltop with an elliptical layout and roughly two kilometers of defensive walls. The site is marked by two preserved gates named Nostra Donna and Del Mercato, which once controlled access to the enclosed settlement.
The first written record of the castle dates to 1105, when the monastery of Sant'Antimo and San Tommaso sold it to Count Ildebrando. This transfer marked the start of its development as a fortified holding for regional control.
The church of San Niccolo inside the walls shows Romanesque-Gothic features and remains the oldest building at this site. It stands today as a quiet reminder of the religious life that shaped the community in earlier times.
The site is reachable via highway A11 at the Montecatini exit, then follow signs to Monsummano Terme and continue uphill to the ruins. Wear sturdy shoes as the paths to the walls and gates are uneven, with some sections running across open terrain.
The pentagonal tower was recently restored and features an unusual entrance on its second floor. Originally, this opening could only be reached from outside using a wooden staircase, showing how medieval structures employed different security methods.
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