Rocca Maggiore
The Rocca Maggiore Castle is the larger of the two fortifications in the Italian city of Assisi and is located above the historical center of the city. The smaller fortification is the Rocca Minore opposite .
history
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The castle was first mentioned in 1365. The first stone castle fortifications were probably designed by Ugolino de Montemarte , who died in 1394 before it was completed. Emperor Friedrich II lived here as a boy. Cardinal Albornoz designed and built the current complex with the corresponding changes in preparation for the return of the Popes from exile in Avignon . It took more than a century for the castle to be fully expanded. The fortress was not completed until 1538, when castles had almost lost their importance as military bases.
Building the castle
The castle is located on a rock spike and made the erection of a moth unnecessary. The walls are protected by square corner towers. The large donjon as well as the walls date from the early days of the castle. The battlements and machicolations attached to the walls are clearly visible . A large ballroom with rich decorations is located on the first floor of the Palas . The inner courtyard is quite small in relation to the overall complex. In the middle of the 15th century built Giacomo Piccinino a twelve-sided tower in the west of the castle on a wall with battlements. The last expansion took place in 1538. A round bastion was built at the entrance, which was able to accommodate artillery.
Current condition
Traces of armed conflicts are still clearly visible today. Corner towers, battlements and machicolation are badly damaged or even collapsed. In the meantime, however, extensive restoration measures are taking place.
literature
- Chris Gravett: Atlas of Castles. The most beautiful castles and palaces . Tosa, Vienna 2001, pp. 126–127, ISBN 3-85492-470-4 .
Web links
Coordinates: 43 ° 4 ′ 22.7 ″ N , 12 ° 36 ′ 54.3 ″ E