Chitignano
The Castle of Chitignano: an ancient and rich history
The Castle of Chitignano, located in the valley of Casentino, in the province of Arezzo, has an ancient history that goes back centuries. Built in the 10th century, the structure was updated and expanded over the following centuries, taking on the appearance of a fortified country villa with seventeenth-century forms, although the original structure is still visible. The castle belonged to the noble Ubertini family, holder of the rural lordship of Chitignano until 1779, except for a few years during the fourteenth century when it was owned by the Tarlati.
Guglielmino Ubertini, the bishop of Arezzo, was one of the owners of the castle in the 13th century. The prelate participated in the Battle of Campaldino against the Florentine partisans of the Guelf, leading the Ghibelline army. However, he was defeated and lost his life on Saturday, June 11, 1289, due to a pike blow to the head. The castle was incorporated into a larger complex of residential buildings, taking on the appearance of a fortified country villa with seventeenth-century forms.
Description of the Castle of Chitignano
The Castle of Chitignano is a fascinating attraction for tourists visiting the Casentino Valley. The castle has a varied structure with a main entrance leading to the parade ground. A driveway, surrounded by centuries-old cypress trees, leads to the entrance of the building. The bell tower and the fifteenth-century bronze bell dominate the view of the castle. In front of the entrance, there is a large gateway with a full arch that leads into a beautiful courtyard with frescoed vaults and the adjacent guardhouse with coats of arms and busts of the Ubertini family.
Climbing the stairs, you can reach the noble apartments on the upper floors, especially the great hall of arms, the private Baroque chapel, and the bishop's bedroom. Going up to the top floor, you can visit the chamber of sentences. Here you can observe the noose with which the condemned were hanged and the axe stuck in the stump. Upstairs, the wooden balcony where the sentences were read, pronounced in the adjacent council room. Next to it, a massive wooden door leads to the narrow prison.
Notes and Bibliography
In the text, several authors are cited who have dedicated parts of their writings to the description of the Castle of Chitignano, including Mario Castellano, Enrico Nistri, and Alfio Scarini. The Castle of Chitignano is a historically significant and fascinating place. Its beauty and history are documented in various historical publications.
Related articles and External links
There are several related articles and external links that provide further information on the Castle of Chitignano. For example, additional information can be found on the municipality of Chitignano, the noble Ubertini family, and the Battle of Campaldino. In addition, the Castle of Chitignano is currently for sale and can be visited by tourists.
