Château de Valle, Medieval castle in Follonica, Italy.
Château de Valle is a castle ruin situated on a hilltop north of Follonica, featuring a partially preserved tower with arrow slits and stone walls. The fortification displays construction elements that span different periods of its long occupation.
The fortress originated in the late 9th century as a summer retreat for the bishops of Lucca, first appearing in written records in 884. Over time, it passed through the hands of several rulers, including the Abbey of Sestinga, the Aldobrandeschi family, the Republic of Pisa, and the Principality of Piombino.
The location served as a symbol of power and control for the families and institutions that ruled it over the centuries. Today, visitors can see how much the place mattered to those who came here.
The ruins are freely accessible and can be explored independently without requiring a guide or entrance fee. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear since the ground is uneven and parts of the structure may be unstable.
The hilltop location was deliberately chosen to provide views over the surrounding landscape and allow early detection of approaching threats. This strategic positioning was typical of medieval fortifications that favored commanding heights.
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