Castle of Ocre, Medieval castle in Ocre, Italy

The Castle of Ocre stands on Mount Circolo at 933 m above sea level, above the village of Fossa. It is a fortified village rather than a castle: an isosceles triangle of walls 470 m around, with seven towers, old houses, tower-houses and streets inside. The only entrance is a 13th-century pointed-arch gate in the west corner tower, and the church of San Salvatore at the southern tip is ruined.

The castle first appears in written records from 1178 in a papal document, marking its role as an important fortified settlement. It belonged to the Diocese of Forcona and played a part in the region's medieval defensive network.

A church dedicated to San Salvatore stood within the walls and served as a spiritual center for those living here. This sacred space connected the community's daily life with their faith in a place of both protection and worship.

Reaching the site involves a walk uphill since it sits on elevated terrain, so sturdy footwear is advisable. The location is most accessible during warmer months when paths are easier to navigate.

The only entrance is a 13th-century pointed-arch gate at the western corner tower, protected by a system of crossfire. The triangular perimeter measures 470 metres and incorporates seven towers, two of them close together at the northern apex.