Photo: Marica Massaro, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Castle
Castle of Ortona dei Marsi
Castle in Ortona dei Marsi (AQ), Italy
Ortona dei Marsi (AQ), Abruzzo
At a glance
- Type
- Castle
- Protection
- Italian national heritage
- Coordinates
- 41°59′57″ N, 13°43′30″ E
History and description
Castello di Ortona dei Marsi (Italian for Castle of Ortona dei Marsi) is a Middle Ages castle in Ortona dei Marsi, Province of L'Aquila (Abruzzo).
History
Strategically located on a pass that connects the eastern plateau of Fucino with the valley of the Sagittario, Ortona dei Marsi has very ancient origins dating back to the Italic city of Milonia.
The first historical records concerning the current town date back to the 12th century and mention its belonging to the Counts of Celano. Later, the fief passed to the Cantelmo family in the 15th century and to Francescantonio Paolini in 1666, eventually becoming property of the Massimi family in the 18th century.
Already in decline at the beginning of the 20th century, it did not suffer further serious damage following the 1915 Avezzano earthquake. The original structure of the castle is in a state of ruin with only the tower in good condition.
Architecture
Overlooking the town and the Giovenco valley, the castle remains include the ruins of the surrounding walls and a central tower.
The tower, cylindrical in shape with a scarp base, was added to the castle in the 16th century to allow the feudal lords to control the town against potential popular uprisings.
Access to the tower is through an elevated entrance from the ground on the north side; on the opposite side, there is an opening with a slit window.
Text from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0. Full article: «Castle of Ortona dei Marsi».
Photos
Getting there
Carrito-OrtonaTrain, nearest
3.1 km as the crow flies
Castle of Ortona dei Marsi
Distances are as the crow flies, not walking or driving.
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Nearby
See on the mapMore castles in Abruzzo
- Free 1st Sunday
Frequently asked questions
Where is Castle of Ortona dei Marsi?
Castle of Ortona dei Marsi is in Ortona dei Marsi, in the province of L'Aquila (Abruzzo), Italy. GPS coordinates: 41.99921, 13.72499.
What else is there to see near Castle of Ortona dei Marsi?
Nearby you’ll find: Centro verde (400 m away), Milonia (800 m away), Piccolomini Tower (5.8 km away).
Sources and licences
Text. Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Data. Wikidata (CC0); opening hours and contacts OpenStreetMap (ODbL).
Photos. Wikimedia Commons, author and licence on every image.
Credits for the 5 photos
- Ortona Marsi torre 2015b — Marica Massaro, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Castello di Ortona dei Marsi 01 — Pietro, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Cesoli Marsica — Marica Massaro, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Sentiero Giovenco — Marica Massaro, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Vigne di Cesoli — Marica Massaro, CC BY-SA 4.0
Updated 28 October 2026. All sources and licences