Montefiore
Montefiore Castle: a jewel of history and architecture
Hey friends, today I'll talk to you about a truly enchanting place: Montefiore Castle, a military fortress dating back to the 15th century located in the hamlet of the same name just a few kilometers from the center of Recanati, in Marche.
Origins of the Castle
This beautiful location was known as "Fundus Florie" around the 10th century and was located on the border between the Lombards of the duchy of Spoleto and the Byzantines of the Byzantine Pentapolis, undergoing the struggles and events of the two factions. At the end of the 13th century, the Municipality of Recanati decided to build the castle as an anchor against the expansionist aspirations of Osimo, a historic enemy of the city.
The Renaissance Castle
Montefiore Castle was expanded and fortified throughout the 15th century and in 1429 the large central keep was raised as a watchtower. In 1445, during the struggles between the Pope and Francesco Sforza, the fortress suffered heavy attacks, and was then strengthened to face the great lordships and the various increasingly evolved mercenary companies. In 1467, duumvirs Antonio Politi and Tommaso Gabrielli executed a new intervention and subsequently, in 1486, during the struggle between the Papal Governor of the Marche Fermane and Boccolino di Guzzone who had taken possession of Osimo, it was definitively transformed from a watchtower to a fortress capable of withstanding firearm attacks, thanks to the reconstruction of the keep and the construction of the ravelin.
Modern history of the Castle
In the 17th century, Montefiore lost its prominent military role and began a slow decline that led to it becoming a rural village. During World War II, the complex suffered severe damage, but fortunately was restored in the following years. In 2000, a major restoration campaign was launched due to stability issues.
The Architecture of the Castle
Montefiore Castle stands along the road that leads from Osimo to Montefano and towers with its high keep on top of a hill that dominates the surrounding area all the way to the sea, Mount Conero, and the hill towns that surround it. The castle features an imposing fortified wall with battlements, a large central keep, and a ravelin to protect the main entrance. The interior of the castle, on the other hand, features numerous rooms adorned with highly valuable frescoes.
A Jewel of History Worth Visiting
Montefiore Castle is a place that is definitely worth a visit, both for its history and for its architectural beauty. The journey through the castle's rooms reveals many information about medieval life and construction techniques of the era. Moreover, the panoramic view from the top of the keep is breathtaking, you'll certainly be left speechless.
So, what are you waiting for to organize a trip to Montefiore Castle? I guarantee you won't regret it!
sources
I Luoghi del Silenzio.it website, https://www.iluoghidelsilenzio.it/castello-di-montefiore-recanati-mc-2/ Official website of the Municipality of Recanati, https://www.comune.recanati.mc.it/it/point-of-interest/700809
