# Castle of Ocre

- **Country:** Italy
- **Coordinates:** 42.291858, 13.482908
- **Location Text:** Ocre

The Castle of Ocre, known locally as Castello di Ocre, is a medieval fortified structure located in the town of Ocre within the Province of L'Aquila in the Abruzzo region of southern Italy. Originally constructed during the 12th century, this site is more accurately classified as a fortified village rather than a traditional standalone castle. Its unique architectural layout forms an isosceles triangle with a perimeter of 470 meters, featuring defensive walls that incorporate old houses, streets, and seven towers. Access to the complex is granted through a single arched door on the west corner tower, which dates back to the 13th century and was once protected by an elaborate defense system.

Historically, the castle holds significant importance, with its first documented mention appearing in a 1178 Papal bull listing it as a possession of the diocese of Forcona. Throughout the Middle Ages, it played a pivotal role in regional conflicts, surviving destruction during the founding of L'Aquila in 1254 but suffering repeated ravages by troops from that city in 1266 and 1293. The fortress changed hands frequently, eventually being confiscated by Charles I of Naples before falling victim to a devastating attack by the condottiero Braccio da Montone in 1423. Following these events, the site gradually lost its strategic military value and declined into a simple villa by the 16th century as residents abandoned the fortifications.

Today, the Castle of Ocre stands in a ruined condition, serving as a historical testament to the turbulent history of the Abruzzo region. While the defensive structures remain, the internal church dedicated to the Holy Saviour, known since 1581, is completely destroyed. However, the site's cultural legacy persists through artifacts recovered from the ruins, most notably a mid-12th-century fresco of the Madonna and Child. This precious artwork was salvaged from the crumbling church and is now preserved and displayed at the National Museum of Abruzzo, ensuring that the artistic heritage of the castle continues to be appreciated despite the physical decay of the village itself.

![Photo of Castle of Ocre](http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Ocre%20AQ%20-%20Castello%2016.JPG)

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