Castelfranco

To be visited

Localita: Chiesa di Castelfranco

---

When the medieval castle of Ancarano was destroyed, the population began to mo-ve downstream and settle in small residential areas called villas.
However, the city of Norcia did not want to leave the Campiana Valley unattended, since it was an area of vital importance as a crossroads and communication route; therefore in 1370 it built the Castle of Castelfranco, trying to persuade the inhabi-tants of Capo del Colle to move and settle into it - the name Castelfranco refers to the tax exemptions that would be enjoyed by its inhabitants.
But the life of Castelfranco proved rather short, both because a concrete transfer never took place as the area where it was built was impervious and inconvenient to reach, and because of the continuous attacks launched by the troops of Francesco Sforza, who also managed to occupy the castle in 1438.
Today the suggestive ruins of this fortified place are still clearly visible, including the remains of the gothic arched entrance gate which opens at the base of the only re-maining tower, still showing its two superimposed arches.  In defense of the gate, where the walls enclosing the ruins of the fortress join, there is also a polygonal reinforcement with loopholes, a unique example in the area.

Of particular interest is the Church of Santa Maria, which once stood inside the ca-stle. Still clinging to the rocky wall, it is now almost in ruins; only the decorated en-trance portal surmounted by a cruciger lamb remains. On a pillar, traces of frescoes are still visible, as well as and a Madonna with Child in the apse.