Ricetto di Candelo, Medieval fortified granary in Candelo, Italy
The Ricetto di Candelo is a fortified medieval complex in Candelo, Italy, that served as a granary and shelter. The structure comprises two hundred small buildings arranged along five parallel streets, all surrounded by high stone walls with two entrance towers.
The complex was built in the late 13th century by the people of Candelo to safeguard supplies during times of warfare. Over the centuries the site remained largely unchanged, serving as a storage place for grain and wine until the 19th century.
The name ricetto comes from the Latin receptum, meaning shelter, reflecting the original protective function of the settlement. Today local artisans use some of the small stone houses as workshops and shops, selling traditional textiles and regional products.
Visitors can walk through the entire area, though the narrow cobblestone lanes require sturdy footwear. Guided tours on weekends and during local festivals provide access to some of the historic storage houses.
The site is one of the best preserved fortified granary complexes in Europe, with many rooms still showing original wooden beams and stone floors. Once a year locals transform the grounds into a medieval market with period costumes and traditional craft demonstrations.
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