Todi Castle

Todi Castle, also known as Capecchio, is located 10 miles south of the town of Todi, in Umbria, Italy. The origins of the Castle date back to 1100 AD. The Castle and its grounds lie on a hilltop to the east side of the village of Collelungo, now belonging to the Municipality of Baschi, Terni.

A wide panoramic view of TodiCastle from above

Todi Castle as military structure

The tower of Todi Castle was built in Roman times to protect the southern border of the "Colonia Julia". It was erected in a strategic position to protect the area bounded by the river Tiber, the river Arnata and a Roman road, the via Amerina. The strategic military importance of the Todi Castle tower continued into medieval times. Todi Castle was also an important point of passage for pilgrims travelling from Northern Europe to Rome. The Castle afforded shelter for pilgrims and a rest station on their way south. In the 16th century Todi Castle was transformed into a monastery.

During the Middle Ages, Todi Castle was an important stronghold belonging to the military organization of the city of Todi. Its function was to protect the border and the southern territory. The City of Todi had its greatest development and achieved great wealth during the 13th century. During this period three additional towers were built at Todi Castle and the structure was heavily fortified. The echoes of legendary battles can still be heard from the austere walls of Todi Castle. Popular stories tell us about great commanders, and captains of fortune and their epic feats.

The whole fortress was closed in, with no windows or apertures except those necessary to do combat with catapults, bows and arrows. During these battles boiling oil was thrown from the high walls erected between the towers. Todi Castle was surrounded by a canal and access was via a drawbridge. Three underground passages were constructed as secret escape routes for the military in case of extreme danger. Todi Castle was completely self sufficient and was always ready to resist sudden attacks and withstand sieges. A system for collecting rainwater was established to provide sufficient water for the military and animals. Soldiers who died in battle were buried in the courtyards. The discovery of bones and skulls is evidence of this. Legend tells of ghosts of those heroes wandering along the high walls of the castle when there is a full moon.

Decline and transformation into a Monastery

View of TodiCastle from the east side

Starting in 1348, a decline began in the town of Todi. It was a crisis affecting the military, political and economic life of the area. This began with the black plague which afflicted most of Europe. Many years of famine, misery and death followed this plague. Desperate living conditions led to the spread of fanaticism, witch hunts and dark omens. With the best monks leaving the monasteries to tend to the sick, the church ceased to be a centre of learning and culture.

Taking advantage of so much devastation, Cardinal Albornoz, a great innovator of military techniques, conquered the whole area under the state of the Church, which was increasingly rich and powerful. Todi Castle was abandoned for years, was sacked by barbarian hordes, occupied by gangs of bandits and became the bivouac of travelers.

After many years of neglect, Todi Castle was turned into a monastery in the 16th century. A new roof was built in the north courtyard, and this new space was used for religious services. A chapel and sacristy were consecrated. The new church was dedicated to San Quirico.

The Landi family

In early 1500, a certain Girolamo Landi lived in the castle. He was a member of an important family of Todi. The body of his wife Lucrezia is buried in the chapel of the castle, where a plaque recalls her death. She died of plague in 1523. The ghost of Lucrezia vagues for the Castle. There is no evidence of what happened to the castle between 1523 and 1973, when it was bought by the current owners.

Todi Castle today

Ambassador Giuseppe Santoro undertook the extensive restoration of '''Todi Castle''' in 1975. The execution of this important project required the talents of architects, artists and designers assisted by local craftsmen, who still knew the ancient techniques of cutting stone, recreating vaulted ceilings, arches and high walls, bringing'Todi Castle back to its former glory.

Todi Castle was recognized as a national monument in 1980. The castle lies at the heart of an estate of 120 hectares, which produces wine, olive oil and organic food. Part of the castle, and some villas on the estate, are a tourist destination of an international clientele.

External links

· TodiCastle TodiCastle Estate Official WebSite