The medieval fortress of Rocca di Cerbaia

The Rocca di Cerbaia is a medieval fortress situated at an altitude of 400 meters in the locality of Carmignanello, in the municipality of Cantagallo, in the province of Prato. Probably built at the beginning of the 12th century to guard the "strada di Lombardia", the castle served as a fortification and a residence. It was a key stronghold in the 13th-century struggles between feudal power and the rising civic power of Prato.

The site is linked to the history of the Alberti family, including Adelaide degli Alberti and her daughter Cunizza da Romano. Dante Alighieri mentions the castle in the Inferno and Purgatorio while describing the violent deeds of members of the Alberti family. Local legend even claims that in 1285, a traveling poet was refused hospitality at the fortress and had to seek shelter in a nearby shepherd's hut.

Built with local sandstone, the complex features a large pentagonal keep and two layers of walls. The lower circuit contains the remains of a medieval oratory, while the second circuit includes a vaulted cistern. After being sold to the commune in 1361, the fortress was fortified and used as a military outpost until the 15th century. It later served as a residence for the Novellucci and Eldmann families before being purchased by the municipality of Cantagallo for restoration.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons