Castle of Spedaletto, Medieval fortress in Val d'Orcia, Italy
Spedaletto Castle is a medieval fortress with four corner towers, stone corbels, and crenellated walls positioned near the ancient Francigena road in Val d'Orcia. The structure comprises multiple buildings arranged around a central courtyard area in the Tuscan countryside.
Built in the 12th century by Ugolino da Rocchione, the fortress initially sheltered pilgrims traveling through the region. By 1236, it became integrated into the Santa Maria della Scala Hospital network, expanding its role in serving visitors.
The Church of San Niccolò within the complex displays 15th-century frescoes showing religious scenes and saints. These painted walls reveal how art and faith were expressed in this part of Tuscany during the medieval period.
The site operates as a working agricultural estate where visitors can shop for local products such as wine and olive oil directly on the grounds. Exploring the grounds allows time to wander the countryside setting and experience the rural character of the Val d'Orcia landscape.
Behind the structure, remnants of an ancient bridge still emerge from the Orcia River waters, its stone construction partially visible. This forgotten passage once linked the fortress directly to the pilgrim route and shows how the location connected travelers to the Francigena road.
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