The Castle in History
Giglio Castello
History and Fortifications since the 12th Century
The Giglio castello stands today as a fortified center, enclosed by a wall in stone equipped with towers mostly circular.
Its history is very old and dates back to at least the 12th century when an early castle was positioned together with a church on the embankment overlooking east.
This area now known by the name rocca remained throughout the island's history the center of military control, while toward west a village had developed along at least two road axes that intersected near the parish church, also built in the 12th century, but renovated several times in modern age.
The entire visible city walls appear to have been built in the last centuries of the Middle Ages, but with restorations, updates of thedefensive layout (circular towers, antiporta) following the tragic events of the first half of the 16th century when the island was attacked and plundered by pirates. The restorations however, were not substantial in the sense that they did not change the medieval layout, but only made it more suitable for the new siege systems.
Places of interest
The Castle Gate
As is the case in many fortifications of great historical and strategic importance, the access to the built-up area was regulated by...
The Rock
The parcel cadastre compiled by the Lorraine between 1823 and 1835 throughout Tuscany under their jurisdiction included...
The roads
Regarding theroad layout of the castle, one of the most interesting aspects emerging from the sources...
The Keep Tower
At the far western of the enclosure of the keep there is a quadrangular tower jutting out over the space...
Top Area
the highest part of the castle does not correspond to the fortress, as one might expect, but rather to the space...