A mighty medieval stronghold never taken by force, but twice betrayed by treacherous guards: the 1200s Rocca di Tentennano at Rocca d’Orcia, by Castiglione d’Orcia, in the Orcia Valley near Siena in southwestern Tuscany, Italy.
Rocca d’Orcia, Val d'Orcia, Tuscany, Italy: olive trees cloak the steep hillside below the imposing 13th century Rocca di Tentennano, dramatically sited on a rocky outcrop offering panoramic views over the Orcia Valley, Mount Amiata and the countryside around Siena. The Rocca was founded as rings of defensive walls built up the hill, surmounted by a tower ultimately rebuilt as a pentagonal keep. The hamlet of Rocca d’Orcia below it is within walking distance of the larger settlement of Castiglione d’Orcia with its own medieval castle, the Rocca Aldobrandesca. The Rocca di Tentennano’s turbulent history is laced with intrigue and treachery. Throughout its history, it was never taken by force, twice surrendering only when traitorous guards opened its gates to enemies. The fortress at first belonged to the Aldobrandeschi family. It then passed to Ardenga lords who became the Counts of Tentennano. In 1207, the family issued the Charta Libertatis, acknowledging their subjects’ rights, but in 1251, the Rocca fell into the hands of the Republic of Siena. After time as a free municipality, the Sienese granted it to the Salimbeni family as collateral for a loan of 20,000 florins. In 1274, the Salimbeni gained the castle outright, but then embarked on an intense struggle with Siena. In 1377, the future saint, Catherine of Siena, is said to have tried to persuade the Salembini to make peace, but the conflict lasted until 22 September 1419, when the gates were secretly opened to Sienese troops at night. Cocco dei Salimbeni retreated to the keep with his family and supporters, but had to surrender when his followers switched sides. The Sienese used their new stronghold as defence against rival states, but when Florence finally defeated Siena in 1555, it became part of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. By then, the castle had lost its military importance.
Size: 2832px × 4256px
Location: Rocca d’Orcia, Val d’Orcia, Tuscany, Italy.
Photo credit: © Terence Kerr / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No
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