Castello del conte Orlando Cattani

Chiusi della Verna, Italy, Italy

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Castello del Conte Orlando Cattani, also known as the Rocca of Chiusi della Verna, is a medieval fortress ruin perched on a rocky outcrop above the town of Chiusi della Verna in Tuscany.

Its origins date back to before the year 1000, and for centuries it was the seat of the powerful Cattani family, who controlled the surrounding territory. The castle is most famous for its connection to Count Orlando Cattani, who in 1213 donated Mount La Verna to Saint Francis of Assisi, leading to the establishment of the renowned Franciscan sanctuary there.

This event made the site an important part of both local and religious history. Over the following centuries, the fortress passed through various rulers, including the Republic of Florence, and gradually fell into ruin as its stone was reused in other buildings. Today, only sections of the walls and main fortifications remain, but the dramatic setting and historical significance make it one of the most evocative medieval landmarks in the Casentino region.