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In 12th
century on top of a hill in the flowering and luxuriant Umbria, was built a fortress. It was defended by a wide ditch on which were
erected massive walls. Six towers kept watch upon all the perimeter
of the old castle while one, the highest, dominated the valley. The
defence of the fortress was made more efficient by a thick grid of
underground tunnels used by the troops to move very quickly. Some of
these tunnels run into the walls, enabling the archers to launch
arrows by the numerous arrow slits.
It seems like a fairytale or a chapter in history, but perhaps the most
surprising thing of Rotecastello is�� that all this still exists!
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The evocative character of this
fortified village is attributable not only to an urban plan complete
with walls, towers, and a church all still intact, but also to a
series of unique particulars; For example channels in the walls
through which hot oil could be poured onto attackers, loopholes,
arcs, and many other proofs of an incredible history, secret and
mysterious, able to fascinate adults and children alike.
Important artistic places are: the church of "Madonna della Neve" (Madonna of the
Snow), a very old church that contains some renaissance pictures;
the big "Torre di Rotecastello" (Rotecastello's Tower), perfectly preserved also thanks to a
recent restoration; the church of "S.Michele
Arcangelo" (Archangel St. Michele),
with its pictures on wood of the 1700�s ; the "Arco di Rotecastello" (Rotecastello's
Gate), that still shows to the visitor the coat of arms of the old
feudal lords.
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In august there's a
cultural festival, "Agosto
in Medioevo"(Medieval August),
organized by the "Associazione Amici di Rotecastello" (Friends
of Rotecastello Association), that recalls the customs and
traditions of the middle ages. In every corner of the village there
is a characteristic flavour; From
the medieval dresses to art exhibitions, ancient taverns. The
kitchen is also producing local typical dishes according to the
ancient recipes once in common use by the women of Rotecastello. In
the main square every evening you can see a different show, from the
musical concerts, to traditional dances and juggling shows. There's
a really exciting atmosphere during the evening of historical procession
of Rotecastello, - characters in costume parading through the
village accompanied by drum rolls and trumpets. This is followed by
theatrical representations
of Rotecastello's history in the main square and then dances long
into the night. The costumes are exact replica�s based on
historical documents and are made in the village.
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