Monfalcone Castle

Monfalcone Castle, locally known as Rocca di Monfalcone or Castello di Monfalcone, lies on a mountain north of the town with the same name. Originally a prehistoric fortified village, the site was occupied by a Roman observation tower, guarding the road from the town of Aquileia to Trieste, and later by a fortress dating back to the reign of Theoderic the Great (around 490 AD).

As a stronghold of the Patriarch of Aquileia, overseeing the County of Duino, the castle was long contended for by the Patriarch and the Count of Gorizia, but was also a 'free commune' holding a seat in the Friulian Parliament.

Having surrendered on 14 July 1420 to the troops of the Venetian doge, Tommaso Mocenigo, it became an important outpost for the protection of the Venetian mainland against the Count of Gorizia and the Austrian Emperor and a defence against the attacks of the Turks.

In 1797 it came under Austrian rule and on 9 June 1915 it was occupied by the Italian army.

The castle is a square keep surrounded by a circular wall and a low earthen wall.

References:

• castles.nl

Address

Salita alla Rocca, Monfalcone, Italy

Details

Founded: c. 490 AD
Category: Castles and fortifications in Italy