Balsorano
The Piccolomini Castle in Balsorano Vecchio, an Abruzzo jewel that has stood the test of time
Hello friends! Today I want to talk to you about a wonderful place that I recently visited. I'm talking about the Piccolomini Castle located in a hamlet of the Abruzzo municipality of Balsorano, in the province of Aquila. This magnificent building has been considered an Italian national monument since 1902.
Castle history
The Balsorano Castle stands on the foundations of another ancient military structure belonging to the Berardi family, which was in visual communication with the Morrea Piccolomini Castle and the Roccavivi tower. It was built around 1460 by Antonio Piccolomini d'Aragona, the nephew of Pope Pius II and son-in-law of Ferdinand I of Naples, who later took control of the Balsorano barony.
The castle then passed from hand to hand among the various feudal lords of the area, including the Fiastri Zannelli who turned it into a hotel-restaurant. In the 1930s, some restoration work was carried out due to the damage caused by the Marsica earthquake of 1915, but some parts of the building still retain original architectural elements.
Castle structure
The castle has an irregular pentagonal shape and is built entirely of stone. The main access is pedestrian, from a park in front of the castle, which leads to an L-shaped courtyard with a well. The surrounding buildings are decorated with two-light and three-light windows and the exterior appearance is medieval-Renaissance.
The castle structure rests on Mount Cornacchia, in the Abruzzo Apennines, and is located on a rocky spur overlooking the Roveto Valley. It has a short side towards the facade, while the two lateral and rear sides show a trapezoidal aspect. The sides are divided at the base by imposing bastions and then a string course. The windows of the first section are two-light, while the others are single-light. The roof covering is in classic tiles and there was originally a watchtower, which unfortunately collapsed in the 1915 earthquake.
Castle towers
The towers of the Piccolomini Castle are five, placed at the corners of the building. Before the 1915 earthquake, there were six. They are circular and slender and have double windows on each terminated by corbels. On the part of the castle that overhangs, there are the towers of the facade, two in all, and another that connects with the left side. This last tower, unfortunately, is not visible from Balsorano.
Castle entrance and garden
The entrance to the castle is a partially restored surrounding wall. You enter through an arch and arrive at the castle gate, which is simple but elegant. Above the gate, there is a window with a loggia for speeches. The garden is connected to an internal porch that contains a small square with a well. There are also classic arches with stuccoes and Gothic two-light windows. The surrounding wall was originally built to protect the castle, but today it has been equipped for walking and as a lookout.
Conclusions
The Piccolomini Castle of Balsorano Vecchio is an architectural jewel that has stood the test of time and still fascinates visitors today. Thanks to the passion of its owners, it has also been restored and preserved for future generations. If you happen to be in the area of Aquila, you cannot miss the beauty of this place, which will give you unforgettable moments.
Thank you for reading my article!
