Castra
Castra: a castle on the slopes of Montalbano
Hello everyone! Today I want to talk to you about Castra, a small hamlet in the municipality of Capraia e Limite, which has around 170 inhabitants. In addition to its panoramic position on the slopes of Montalbano (mountain), Castra is a place rich in history and architectural peculiarities.
History
Have you ever wondered what Castra was like in past centuries? In the 1400s, the castle of Castra, along with Conio, controlled the hills of Pistoia and had a close economic relationship with Florence, which now dominated these places. In 1411, Castra established a real statute capable of regulating the most specific aspects of local reality. This document allows us to understand how Castra, in the early 15th century, still had two- or three-hundred-year-old defensive structures.
Architecture
But now let's talk about the architectural peculiarities of Castra. First of all, I would like to tell you about the Church of San Pietro in Castra, a small religious building dating back to the 17th century. This church has a very simple stone facade, with a small entrance portal, but inside it houses an ancient fresco depicting Madonna with Child and Saint. Right next to the church is the old rectory, which in the past was used as a residence for the priest.
External links
For those who want to deepen their knowledge of Castra, there are several sources available online. For example, the official website of the Municipality of Capraia e Limite provides many interesting information, including the description of Castra as part of the Via Francigena delle Colline. Furthermore, on the website of Toscana Promozione Turistica, you can find a sheet dedicated to Castra, listing the main points of interest and available activities.
I hope this information has aroused your curiosity and invites you to discover the beauty of Castra in person. I recommend taking a walk through the historic center, from which you can admire a spectacular view of the Arno valley, and visiting the Church of San Pietro. Finally, don't forget to taste the typical products of this area, such as the delicious vin santo and wild boar risotto. Enjoy your visit!
