Starting from its foundation in the 11th century, Conegliano featured an innovative type of fortified settlement, common to several towns of the area, such as Bassano and Marostica. A fortified area on the top of the hill, with the below village which spreads along the Monticano river and at the feet of the main hill.
The old Castle used to include a smaller walled area with several towers, also protected by moats. Within this space, starting from the XII Century, we could find the prison, the town hall and the palace of the local authority.
Today only the main tower of the Guard remains, symbol of the Conegliano city and clearly visible from the flatland. Within it, since 1946, the Civic Museum of Conegliano is to be found. In the inside, on several floors, evidences and artworks are stored, coming from the surrounding areas.
References:The Walls of Constantinople are a series of defensive stone walls that have surrounded and protected the city of Constantinople (today Istanbul) since its founding as the new capital of the Roman Empire by Constantine the Great. With numerous additions and modifications during their history, they were the last great fortification system of antiquity, and one of the most complex and elaborate systems ever built. They were also the largest and strongest fortification in both the ancient and medieval world.
Initially built by Constantine the Great, the walls surrounded the new city on all sides, protecting it against attack from both sea and land. As the city grew, the famous double line of the Theodosian Walls was built in the 5th century. Although the other sections of the walls were less elaborate, they were, when well-manned, almost impregnable for any medieval besieger.