Castello Malatestiano, Medieval castle in Gatteo, Italy.
Castello Malatestiano is a fortification built with a quadrangular base, five bulwarks, and a central tower surrounded by thick defensive walls. The wide moat that once encircled it has been drained over time but still defines the structure's outer boundary.
This fortress was built in the 13th century on the site of a former Roman encampment and became a stronghold of the Malatesta family. It underwent significant alterations over the centuries, particularly in the 17th century when a civic tower was added above the main structure.
The castle courtyard hosts the annual festival honoring San Lorenzo, the town's patron saint. Locals gather there for celebrations that reflect the community's identity and values.
The main entrance sits on the eastern side, marked by a rounded arch and crossed via a stone bridge that replaced the original drawbridge. This approach gives visitors a clear way to reach the interior and explore the full layout.
The main tower still shows the original grooves carved to operate the medieval drawbridge mechanism, revealing how the fortress's defense systems worked. These grooves offer a rare glimpse into the engineering solutions used to protect the stronghold.
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