Castello di Pitino

Castello di Pitino is a medieval fortress in San Severino Marche with defensive walls stretching over 400 meters. A 23-meter-high tower rises above the site and overlooks the rolling countryside of the Marche region.

Emperor Frederick II of Swabia granted the castle to San Severino municipality in 1239, establishing a new phase of territorial control in the region. This act reshaped how the fortress and surrounding lands would be governed for centuries to come.

Two churches stand within the castle walls: Santa Maria della Pietà from 1292 and Sant'Antonio from the 15th century. They show how religious spaces were woven into daily life inside the fortress over the centuries.

The castle sits at 660 meters (2165 feet) in elevation and is about 11 kilometers from San Severino town center, requiring a drive to reach it. Access is generally possible year-round, though steep paths on the site mean visitors should check weather conditions before planning a visit.

Archaeological digs have uncovered settlement traces from the 7th to 5th century BC, pointing to Picene civilization long before Roman times. This reveals layers of habitation that stretch back far earlier than the medieval structures visitors see today.