The Castle or Rocca of Pierle

The Rocca of Pierle, located 16 km east of Cortona, is a castle built on the ruins of an older structure documented as early as 1098. Originally owned by the Marquises of Santa Maria, it later came under the control of various families and institutions, including the Oddi of Perugia and the Casali of Cortona, who rebuilt the castle in 1371.

The Rocca featured an imposing structure with high walls, watchtowers, and a seven-story noble palace, designed with large limestone vaults and wooden structures. Over the centuries, the castle witnessed dramatic events, such as the imprisonment and execution of 60 conspirators in 1387. In 1411, it came under the control of the Republic of Florence and was partially destroyed in 1576 by order of Grand Duke Francesco de’ Medici to prevent it from becoming a refuge for criminals. Today, it remains a ruin, with parts of the walls and towers still visible, along with architectural details such as loopholes, water conduits, and traces of the drawbridge.

The Rocca dominates the Val di Pierle with its strategic position, allowing control over the territory and shared defense with nearby castles like Sorbello and Reschio. Houses around the castle were built using materials salvaged from its ruins, a sign of the lack of preservation efforts. Despite its decay, the castle retains an austere and proud aura, evoking its former architectural and military glory.

More information about the history, construction, and current state of the Rocca can be found at this link.

The Castle of Lisciano

The Castle of Lisciano, often referred to as the "Eagle’s Nest" due to its commanding position over the valley, likely dates back to the early Middle Ages, during the time of the Byzantine Corridor. Strategically located opposite the Rocca of Pierle, it controlled the valley along the border with Lombard territories. In the 11th century, it was a castle of the Marquises of Tuscany and passed to Perugia in 1202, only to be reclaimed by the Casali brothers of Cortona in the 13th century.

In 1479, it became a refuge for supporters of Carlo Fortebraccio, who were later defeated by the papal protonotary Bernardo Savelli. Among the tragic events of its history, in 1527, the castle was the site of a massacre carried out by Prospero della Cornia, likely at the behest of the Baglioni family.

Over time, the urban settlement shifted to the valley, which was being reclaimed, and the castle, once the seat of the municipality, became depopulated. Today, it preserves part of its defensive walls, the church of San Tommaso, and some medieval and Renaissance structures. In the 19th century, the administrative center moved to the valley, giving rise to the current settlement known as Lisciano Niccone.

The Castle of Sorbello

The Castle of Sorbello, once owned by the Bourbon Marquises, is a noble palace with a tower, lacking defensive walls but featuring two majestic entrances and a central staircase that illuminates a spacious courtyard. Located in the historic fiefdom of the Marquisate of Sorbello, the castle was mentioned in 1007 in a contract between the Bourbon Marquises and Città di Castello. Built in a strategic location, the castle overlooks vast estates and is surrounded by the ruins of older structures that may date back to an original residence on the summit of Montaccio.

The fiefdom of Sorbello enjoyed autonomy, administering civil and criminal justice and drafting public contracts recognized by other governments. After the abolition of fiefs under the Treaty of Vienna in 1815, the Bourbons attempted to reclaim control, but in 1819, the Tuscan government took full possession of Sorbello, annexing it to the Grand Duchy of Tuscany.

Despite conflicts, Sorbello has withstood the test of time and is today the only habitable castle in the Cortona area. Its architectural elements reflect centuries of history: remains of 10th-century walls, 16th-century bastions, swallowtail crenellations, an atrium, prisons, and a central staircase. Noteworthy features include the 14th-century keep and the baroque chapel on the ground floor, with a main altar dedicated to Saint Andrew. The overall architecture, austere yet imposing, tells a story of solemnity and power, alternating between ferocity and refinement. Today, Sorbello is a monument of historical significance and a tangible example of adaptation and preservation over the centuries, making it an important reference for scholars and visitors. This link to the Ranieri di Sorbello Foundation provides a splendid video of the palace and details on booking guided tours.

The Castle of Reschio

The Castle of Reschio, situated in a dip on Monte Tisciano and surrounded by fertile plains, is encircled by high walls and features a noble palace with towers. Within its walls are the ancient feudal prisons, and its sole entrance is a grand gate. Its panoramic location offers views of the Apennines, with sunlight bathing the castle from sunrise to sunset.

In 1313, the castle allied with other municipalities to destroy the Castle of Fiume, which provoked the wrath of Perugia, forcing its reconstruction. Over time, it changed hands among various families: in 1384, it was owned by the Montemelini; it was seized in 1455 by Mariotto da Montone, then retaken by Perugia, and later ceded to Braccio Fortebraccio. By 1500, it was once again owned by the Montemelini. In 1601, the castle passed to the Cesi family through a donation from the Bishop of Todi, Angelo Cesi, to his great-nephew Chiappino.

Subsequently, the castle was owned by the Bichi Ruspoli Marquises of Siena and, at the end of the 19th century, by the Marquis Forteguerri. Finally, it was inherited by Dr. Cenciarini of Torrita. The current owner, Count Antonio Bolza, has magnificently restored the castle and numerous farmhouses on the estate, which have become destinations for luxury tourism. The hotel has received significant international accolades, such as the three keys from the Michelin Guide.

Pope Leo I was likely born in the Val di Pierle at the end of the 4th century and died in Rome in 461. According to Rossi, he was the 46th pope and the son of Quintianus. He was elected pope on September 29, 440, and led the Church for about 21 years, navigating difficult times marked by the decline of the Roman Empire, the rise of Christianity, and barbarian invasions. He wrote numerous sermons, treatises, and letters to defend the Church from heretics and convened important councils, including the Council of Chalcedon. His famous encounter with Attila made him legendary, and local traditions connect him to the Val di Pierle. However, other cities such as Anghiari and Volterra also claim to be his birthplace.

A church dedicated to Saint Leo once existed in the Rocca of Pierle but was destroyed before the era of the Casali family. Tradition holds that the inhabitants of Pierle preserved the pope’s memory by painting a large portrait with Saint Lawrence and Saint Vincent on either side, now located in the Church of San Biagio.

Built in 1098 and rebuilt in 1371 by Francesco Casali, the Church of San Biagio underwent further restorations in 1505 and 1629, highlighting its importance to the local community. Originally under the jurisdiction of the Bishop of Castello, it was permanently transferred to the Diocese of Cortona in 1325, strengthening its connection to the surrounding territory.

The interior features Gothic columns and arches that blend harmoniously with the decorated apse, creating a striking atmosphere. The 1648 baptismal font is a significant historical element, as are the artworks inside. Among these, a particularly dynamic Crucifixion and a painting of the Madonna of Carmel, originating from the Church of Val di Vico, underscore the strong Marian tradition. The oldest bell, dating back to 1454, and another from 1672 add further historical value, making the church a remarkable example of continuity in art, faith, and local history.

The Ancient Churches of the Valley

The Church of San Biagio in Pierle

The Church of Madonna della Croce

The ancient parish of Danciano, originally under the Diocese of Città di Castello and later of Cortona, included the Church of San Donnino, the Chapel of Madonna della Croce, and the Oratory of Danciano, now reduced to remnants and ruins. In 1779, a new parish church was built in the Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Croce in the Val di Pierle, incorporating materials and relics from earlier structures.

This new temple, constructed in the first half of the 16th century and carefully restored by Don Franco Giusti, features a Latin cross plan with four stone arches, a main nave 27.9 meters long, and side arms 17.2 meters in length. The main altar, made of pietra serena, houses a fresco of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary framed by sculpted animal figures. The presbytery is oval-shaped, while the choir and altar showcase exquisite artistic decorations.

The façade, made of squared stone with sculpted columns, bears 16th-century inscriptions. The main door, dating back to 1578, and the baptismal font carved with mermaids and inscriptions from 1509, highlight the connection to the ancient Pieve of Danciano. Inside, the ancient 1587 ciborium, now used for preserving holy oils, and stone balustrades and rose windows enrich the main altar. A round well near the rectory and the 1679 holy water font are other traces of the old church.

Among the most significant works, the baptismal font stands out for its refined decoration and the inscription "Sine me frustra", reflecting Christian tradition. The complex represents a valuable example of the restoration and enhancement of the Val di Pierle’s historical and artistic heritage.

The Church of San Niccolò in Val di Rose, identified with the Camaldolese monastery of San Niccolò del Virgiliano near Preggio, dates back to the 11th century. According to Saint Peter Damian, Saint Romuald, the founder of the Camaldolese Order, lived in this monastery, affirming its historical significance.

In the 13th century, it was under the Abbey of San Bartolomeo in Camporeggiano, in the Diocese of Gubbio. During this period, the monk Bucarello, originally from Lisciano Niccone and revered for his sanctity, resided here. He was buried under the church altar, where a Romanesque stone slab with openings protected his remains. In 1593, Bishop Napoleone Comitoli exhumed Bucarello’s remains to give them a more dignified resting place.

In the 15th century, the monastery passed to the Olivetan monks and later under the control of the Monastery of San Pietro in Gubbio. Above the main altar is an altarpiece by Eusebio di Jacopo, known as San Giorgio (Perugia 1470/72–ca. 1550), a student of Perugino. The painting depicts the Madonna and Child flanked by Saint Nicholas of Bari, the Blessed Bucarello, Blessed Francesca Romana, and Saint Romuald. The latter, the founder of the Camaldolese Order, is shown in traditional white robes with a pastoral staff. The inclusion of Blessed Bucarello in the painting reflects the strong local devotion to him.

The church is a symbol of the historical and spiritual importance of the Camaldolese Order and its connection to local religious figures such as Blessed Bucarello, who remains a key figure in the region’s heritage.

The Church of San Niccolò in Val di Rose