Rocca Nuova: the 14th-century fortress of Serravalle Pistoiese

Rocca Nuova, also known as Rocca di Castruccio, is a fortress situated in Serravalle Pistoiese. This historic building, once a castle, is a tourism attraction showcasing the region's history dating back to the early 14th century. The castle's history stems from the wars between the municipalities of Lucca and Pistoia. During this conflict, the Lucchese sought to conquer the strategic point of Serravalle Pistoiese, which had been recently reinforced by Pistoia.

To defend the castle, Pistoia gathered more than three hundred of its best men along with other mercenary soldiers from Bologna, including about 500 archers. They well-supplied the fortress with provisions and weaponry to resist a siege. However, the allied forces of Lucca eventually succeeded. Following a negotiation, the Pistoian soldiers were taken prisoner and the people of Serravalle swore submission to Lucca. Following this, the castle was placed under the jurisdiction of Lucca.

It was at this time, around 1302, that the Rocca Nuova was born. It was built by the Lucchese to reinforce the existing castle and to control the population of Serravalle, out of fear that the locals might rebel once the main troops departed. The new fortress featured thick walls with internal walkways, observation turrets, and high guard towers. A thick wall was erected to separate the new fortress from the older one, with only a single gate providing a connection between them.

Castruccio Castracani, a powerful Luccan lord and famous condottiero, later took an interest in the site. Recognizing its strategic importance as a base for expansion against Pistoia, he reinforced the structure, making it even more imposing and well-equipped with a large, well-trained garrison of his soldiers.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons