A medieval fortress towering above Suvereto: the Rocca Aldobrandesca

The Rocca Aldobrandesca, standing in Suvereto, Italy, was constructed in the second half of the 12th century upon the site of earlier fortifications dating to the 9th century. The Aldobrandeschi family was responsible for creating this fortress that underwent various cycles of decay and restoration over the centuries. An inscription in 1308 marked the completion of its defensive walls encircling the whole town. The castle was deserted in the late 17th to early 18th century.

It went through restoration in the late 20th century only to be abandoned once more in the mid-20th century. The latest round of restoration work took place in the early 21st century, leading to its recovery. The castle is a complex fortification, featuring a square-based tower and a palace. Access is gained through a beautiful half-point arch. The walls, adorned with loopholes, boast a battlement at certain points. The castle commands a dominant position over the town.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons