The Piccolomini Castle of Capestrano (L’Aquila) is one of the most interesting fortified complexes in Abruzzo. Its history is related to the succession of important noble families, from the Aquaviva Dukes of San Valentino, to the Piccolomini, to the Medici family who owned the castle until feudalism was banished. 

The fifteenth-century residential building (1485), now home of the City Hall, includes the remains of pre-existing Medieval fortification. It preserves an imposing prismatic tower that dominates the rest of the building. 

The marvelous inner courtyard contains a fifteenth-century marble well in the center flanked by columns with foliated capitals. It also has a beautiful stone staircase that grants access to the upper floors. Inside it is possible to visit a small military museum dedicated to the two World Wars. 

From the top of its walls, there is a wonderfully impressive panoramic view of Valle del Tirino surrounded by the mountains. 

(Translation by Paula Qefaliaj and Matthew Prisco)