# Castle of Bominaco

- **Country:** Italy
- **Coordinates:** 42.245851, 13.660298
- **Location Text:** Bominaco

The Castle of Bominaco, known locally as Castello di Bominaco, is a medieval fortress situated in the town of Bominaco within the Province of L'Aquila in the Abruzzo region of southern Italy. Perched in a commanding position atop the Navelli plateau, the structure overlooks a religious complex that includes the church of Santa Maria Assunta and the renowned Oratory of San Pellegrino. While the original fortification dates back to the 12th century, the castle's current architectural form is largely the result of events in the early 15th century. In 1424, the original structure was destroyed by the condottiero Braccio da Montone during regional conflicts. Following this devastation, it was reconstructed under the authority of Cyprian of Iacobuccio from Forfona, the feudal lord of Bominaco, who secured permission for the rebuilding efforts from Pope Martin V.

Architecturally, the castle features a distinctive trapezoidal plan enclosed by sturdy walls, punctuated by squared towers positioned along the middle sections. The highest point of the enclosure is fortified by a robust cylindrical tower, which served as a critical defensive stronghold. Although the interior has suffered from the passage of time, it still retains visible traces of complex masonry structures that hint at its former intricate layout and domestic arrangements. Today, the site stands as a significant historical landmark within Abruzzo, representing centuries of feudal history and military architecture. Its strategic location and association with papal history make it an important cultural asset, preserving the legacy of medieval defense systems in central Italy alongside its neighboring religious monuments.

![Photo of Castle of Bominaco](http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Bominaco%20AQ%20-%20Castello%2029.JPG)

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