Castello di Sassoforte, Medieval castle ruins in Sassofortino, Italy
Castello di Sassoforte is a medieval castle ruin located on a rocky crag at 780 meters elevation with commanding views of the surrounding territory. The structure features a double-walled defensive system and sits atop steep drops on all sides.
The castle was first documented in 1076 under the ownership of the Aldobrandeschi family, who held it for centuries. In 1330, Siena acquired the fortress, marking a shift in territorial control over the region.
Archaeological excavations by the University of Siena revealed Bronze Age settlements dating from the 12th to 10th century BCE beneath the medieval structure.
The site is best reached by taking the Florence-Siena motorway to Siena, then continuing on the Siena-Grosseto route to the Civitella Marittima exit. From there, the village of Sassofortino serves as the starting point, with walking paths leading up to the ruins.
Archaeological excavations by the University of Siena uncovered Bronze Age settlements dating from the 12th to 10th century BCE beneath the medieval ruins. These early layers reveal that the site was inhabited centuries before the castle was built.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
