# Castello di Roccascalegna

- **Country:** Italy
- **Coordinates:** 42.062346, 14.303800
- **Location Text:** Roccascalegna

The Castello di Roccascalegna is a striking medieval fortress located in the town of Roccascalegna within the Province of Chieti, Abruzzo, in southern Italy. Perched dramatically atop an overhanging rocky mountainous site, the structure commands a strategic view of the surrounding landscape. While some sources indicate initial construction efforts dating back to the 12th century, the castle was principally developed and expanded during the 15th and 16th centuries. This period of significant building activity coincided with intense military rivalry between the Angevin and Aragonese armies, shaping the fortress into a formidable defensive stronghold designed to withstand regional conflicts.

Architecturally, the castle features a complex layout accessed by a steep flight of steps leading from the plain of San Pietro to the entrance, where remnants of a historic drawbridge still remain. The interior includes the Tower of Sentinel, a prison tower, an Angevin tower, and a chapel equipped with a unique gutter system for collecting rainwater into a tank. A further ramp ascends to a watchtower constructed from both stone masonry and brick, featuring openings on all four sides for surveillance. The sturdy walls encircle the precarious rocky promontory, blending natural geography with military engineering to create an imposing silhouette that has become iconic in the region.

In modern times, the castle stands as a well-preserved historical monument and a popular cultural destination. Its dramatic appearance and atmospheric setting recently garnered international attention when it served as a principal filming location for the 2015 fantasy film Tale of Tales. Today, visitors can explore its various towers and courtyards, gaining insight into the military history of Abruzzo. The site remains a testament to medieval architectural ingenuity and continues to attract tourists interested in its rich past and scenic beauty.

![Photo of Castello di Roccascalegna](http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Castello%20di%20Rocca%20scalegna.jpg)

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castello_di_Roccascalegna (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)