Castello di Belforte, Medieval castle in Borgo Val di Taro, Italy.

Castello di Belforte is a ruined hillside castle on the slopes of Monte Binage in the Belforte hamlet of Borgo Val di Taro. Recent partial rebuilding by residents revealed an inner wall ring enclosing a 20-metre-deep well, and an outer wall ring against which houses lean.

The castle was built by the Municipality of Parma as a military stronghold and was owned by King Enzo of Sardinia, son of Frederick II, in 1247. This early connection shows its strategic importance in the region during the 13th century.

The name Belforte refers to its strong fortification, and the structure shows how various noble families reshaped it over the centuries. These building changes are still visible today in the different types of stone and masonry.

Access is via marked paths leading from Borgo Val di Taro to the castle, and these trails are easy to follow for walkers. It is advisable to wear sturdy shoes, as the paths are uneven and the ground can be slippery in places.

Recent partial rebuilding by Belforte's residents uncovered an inner wall ring enclosing a well 20 metres deep, plus an outer ring against which village houses lean. The castle was abandoned in the 19th century, when locals took its stones for their own homes.