Castello di Marostica: A Medieval Fortified Complex in Italy

Visitor Information

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Official Website: www.marosticascacchi.it

Country: Italy

Civilization: Medieval European

Site type: Military

Remains: Castle

History

The Castello di Marostica is situated in the town of Marostica, Italy. This fortified complex was originally developed by medieval forces in the early 14th century and was built upon earlier Roman and medieval military foundations.

The earliest known fortification on the site of the Castello Superiore dates back to Roman times, positioned atop Colle Pausolino. Historical records from 1262 mention a tower called the “tribus spondis” at this location, indicating longstanding strategic use of the hill. Nearby, the Doglione building—also known as Rocca di Mezzo—is first recorded in 1218 during a period when Marostica was transferred to Vicenza by Ezzelino II il Monaco. In the 13th century, this structure functioned as a customs post for goods moving in and out of the town. Though its importance waned under the Scaligeri family, the Doglione regained relevance during Venetian rule between 1404 and 1797.

Marostica came under the control of the Scaligeri family in 1311, when Cangrande della Scala took possession of the territory. He initiated a significant urban reorganization, shifting the town’s focal point from the ancient Roman and medieval borough to the newly fortified center. Following this, both the Castello Superiore and Castello Inferiore were constructed in 1312 to provide military defense and administrative control.

The construction of surrounding defensive walls began decades later, on March 1, 1372, under Cansignorio della Scala. These walls linked the two castles, forming an extensive barrier around Marostica’s historic heart. The walls featured four principal gates oriented roughly to the cardinal points, serving as controlled access points into the walled city.

After the conflict known as the War of the League of Cambrai in the early 16th century, the upper castle suffered heavy damage. Subsequently, the city’s podestà, or chief magistrate, relocated his seat from the Castello Superiore to the more intact Castello Inferiore. This marked a shift in the administrative and defensive center within the fortified complex. Throughout successive periods, the fortifications adapted to changing military and civic needs. In the 20th century, a new opening was created in the southern section of the walls to connect more directly with the area of the former railway station, reflecting modern urban developments.

Remains

The Castello di Marostica comprises two main castles connected by nearly 1800 meters of defensive walls encircling the town’s historic center. This interconnected layout provided extensive protection and control over the area between the two strongholds. Guard walkways run along the tops of these walls, illustrating their original purpose for surveillance and defense.

The Castello Inferiore displays a rectangular footprint typical of enclosure castles, constructed alongside a substantial keep or mastio—a large fortified tower used for both defense and as a last refuge. While built in the 14th century, it sits on terrain lower than its counterpart, reflecting its designation as the “lower” castle.

In contrast, the Castello Superiore occupies the highest point of Colle Pausolino. Its design features a square base with four small towers at each corner and a large central tower rising above. This castle rests upon foundations tied to the earlier Roman fortification documented in the 13th century, demonstrating continuity of military significance on this elevated position.

The walls connecting the castles include four main gates, each named and oriented in relation to the city’s surroundings: Porta Vicentina to the south, Porta Breganzina to the west, Porta Bassanese to the east, and Porta del Castello Superiore to the north. Of these, Porta Vicentina was modified in the 1930s when an additional opening was cut into the southern wall to improve access toward the former railway station. This alteration reflects the adaptation of the medieval fortifications to evolving transport and urban needs.

Opposite the Castello Inferiore and adjoining the Piazza degli Scacchi lies the Doglione building. Known historically as the Rocca di Mezzo, it is documented from 1218 and once served as a customs post regulating trade in the town. Its stone construction has been preserved and the building now houses the Prospero Alpini civic library. The Doglione’s position near the castle complex highlights its historic role in controlling commercial activity and monitoring passage through Marostica.

Together, these elements form an ensemble that illustrates more than seven centuries of defensive architecture, evolving urban planning, and administrative function. The Castello di Marostica’s remains stand as a well-preserved example of medieval fortification integrated with earlier structures and adapted through the changing dynamics of regional power.