Roccascalegna
Exploring Roccascalegna Castle: a friendly guide
Roccascalegna Castle is a magnificent fortress situated on the top of a rocky outcrop, overlooking the town of the same name in the province of Chieti. Its history dates back many centuries, when it was expanded from the original Longobardi watchtower and underwent various interventions over the centuries. Today, thanks to the restorations completed in the last years of the 20th century, it is once again visitable.
The history of Roccascalegna Castle
The construction of Roccascalegna Castle dates back to the 11th-12th century, when the original watchtower was expanded. Over the centuries, the castle was restored several times. In the 16th century, during the Signoria degli Annecchino, the walls were rebuilt higher, but without battlements. During the Baronia dei Carafa, in 1577, the chapel of the Most Holy Rosary was erected and the supply of rainwater was improved. During the Signoria dei Corvi, other interventions were made. After years of abandonment, the castle suffered several collapses, including that of the "Tower of the Heart" in 1940. In 1985, the last owners of the castle, the Croce Nanni family, donated it to the municipality, which decided to restore it. Restoration work lasted from 1990 to 1996.
The legends of Roccascalegna Castle
One legend of Roccascalegna Castle concerns the application of the so-called "Ius Primae Noctis" norm: it is said that the Baron of the Castle, Corvo de' Corvi, in 1646, had demanded to enforce this norm, obliging all the women of the country to spend the first wedding night with him, instead of with the newlywed spouse. It is said that the last new bride or the legitimate husband dressed in his clothes, who went up to the fortress for the planned consummation, instead stabbed him. It is also supposed that the baron, while dying, left an indelible imprint of his bloodstained hand on a rock.
Description of Roccascalegna Castle
To reach Roccascalegna Castle, you have to climb a steep staircase that branches off from Piano di San Pietro. The courtyard leads to other towers, such as the Prison Tower and the Angevin Tower, and to the chapel with a gutter for collecting rainwater. The view that can be enjoyed from this majestic castle is unparalleled.
Structure of Roccascalegna Castle
The structure of Roccascalegna Castle offers a multitude of towers and passages, each of which tells a story. One of the first elements that you encounter in the entrance are the remains of the drawbridge, to the right of which is the Tower of Sentenza. The main courtyard is immersed in timeless beauty, which offers a view of other towers such as the Prison Tower and the Angevin Tower. The view from Roccascalegna Castle is very suggestive and goes beyond the boundaries of the mountain.
The Chapel of Roccascalegna Castle
The chapel of the Most Holy Rosary is located in the center of the castle and dates back to the 16th century, when it was erected during the Baronia dei Carafa. The chapel features a gutter for collecting rainwater, which flows into a cistern currently used to collect rainwater.
Conclusion
Roccascalegna Castle is worth a visit, especially if you admire ancient castles and fortresses. The structure was restored in the last years of the 20th century and is once again visitable. Discovering the stories and legends related to this majestic monument was a fascinating experience. If you have the opportunity to visit Roccascalegna Castle, you will not regret it.
