Castello De Sanctis

Castello De Sanctis is a Medieval castle located in Roccacasale in the Province of L'Aquila, Abruzzo, Italy. According to tradition, the castle was built in 925 AD by the Counts of Spoleto to control access to the Val di Sangro valley and the Altopiano delle Cinquemiglia plateau. Between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, the castle came under the control of the Cantelmo family before passing to the Barons De Sanctis at the end of the 16th century. The structure was destroyed by French forces in 1803.

The castle features a triangular plan typical of enclosure castles found throughout the region, with a partially collapsed spur at its highest point. The entrance is controlled by a square tower facing the village below. Unlike many similar fortifications in the province, Castello De Sanctis includes remains of a baronial palace, indicating it served residential purposes beyond military defense. Additional structures within the enclosure, including cisterns and dwelling foundations, demonstrate continuous habitation throughout its history.

The castle underwent restoration between 1994 and 1996 by the Municipality of Roccacasale. Today, it houses the Museum of Documentation and Popular Traditions, which opened in 2004. The restored site overlooks the road connecting Popoli Terme and Sulmona, and visitors can access the castle through improved pedestrian pathways created during the restoration project.