Vicalvi
Discovering the Castle of Vicalvi
Hello friends, today I want to talk to you about a stunning place that I had the fortune to visit recently: the Castle of Vicalvi. It is a building dating back to the 11th century, located on the top of the hill of the same name in the Comino Valley, in the province of Frosinone. The castle, although partially in ruins, is an important example of medieval military architecture, surrounded by a double polygonal wall.
History and Description
Initially owned by the Lombards, the castle passed subsequently to the monks of Montecassino, who held it until the 13th century, when it was transferred to the d'Aquino family. The latter increased its defenses, providing it with a double wall. Later, the castle passed to the Cantelmo, but they preferred to reside in the nearby Castello Cantelmo in Alvito, causing the progressive abandonment of the Castle of Vicalvi.
Today, the remains of the castle allow us to witness the different construction phases and modifications made in the centuries by the various families who owned it, especially during the 14th century, when important interventions were carried out that gave the building a Gothic style.
The Legend
The Castle of Vicalvi is also known for the legend of a former courtesan, Aleandra Maddaloni, who would have been walled alive in one of the towers by her husband, after having killed the young men she seduced. However, there are no historical documents confirming the existence of this woman or her story.
Bibliography and External Links
For more information on the history of the Castle of Vicalvi, I recommend reading some texts such as "Abbazie, Prepositure e Priorati Benedettini ecc." by Antonelli or "Il Castello di Vicalvi" by De Ruggiero Occhiuzzi. Additionally, you can visit the website dedicated to the castle, where you will find further information and photos of the building.
I hope to have piqued your interest and made you appreciate the beauty of the Castle of Vicalvi. If you have the opportunity to visit it, do not hesitate to do so, I assure you it will be worth it!
