Castello della Rancia, Medieval castle in Tolentino, Italy
Castello della Rancia is a castle in Tolentino with a square structure, crenellated walls, and four towers, with the central one reaching about 25 meters high. The buildings are arranged around an interior courtyard typical of medieval fortification design.
The castle was built in 1353 by Rodolfo II Varano to control the Chienti valley and the Roman road network. It served as a strategic defensive structure in the region during medieval times.
The castle houses the Archaeological Museum Aristide Gentiloni Silverj, displaying collections of Picene and Roman artifacts from the region. These objects tell the story of different peoples who lived in the valley across centuries.
The castle is located about 7 kilometers from central Tolentino in the Marche region and is accessible by vehicle. Since it currently undergoes renovations, it is best to check accessibility before your visit.
The name Rancia comes from the word grancia, referring to its original function as a granary for Cistercian monks from nearby Fiastra Abbey. This economic connection shows how the building was integrated into a large monastic network.
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