Castle of Rocchette di Fazio, Medieval fortress in Semproniano, Italy.
The Castle of Rocchette di Fazio sits atop a limestone cliff approximately 500 meters above the Albegna River valley in Tuscany. The complex comprises several building groups, including the original Rocca fortress and administrative structures such as the Palazzo di Giustizia courthouse and Palazzo Pretorio.
The fortress was built by the Aldobrandeschi family in the late 12th century and named after Count Bonifazio, who led the San Fiora branch of the family in 1272. A Spanish army devastated the site in 1536, after which it was abandoned and the ruins remained untouched for centuries.
The complex still bears traces of its medieval administrative role, with different buildings that served distinct functions. Walking through, you can recognize the separate areas and understand how justice was administered and governance conducted here.
The fortress sits at an elevated location with open sightlines across the landscape, though weather can affect accessibility. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear, as paths across the ruins are uneven and sometimes steep.
The ruins display clear traces of the 1536 attack, with damaged walls and collapsed roofs that remained visible until recent times. This unusual preservation of a damaged state offers visitors a rare glimpse into the consequences of historical violence and destruction.
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