Monte Rotondo

Point of Interest

Monte Rotondo

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Perched on the slopes of Monte Giovi, the Monterotondo Castle overlooks a breathtaking landscape that separates the Sieve valley from the plain of Borgo San Lorenzo. Its strategic position is no coincidence: this medieval fortress served as a lookout and control outpost, ensuring dominance over a wide portion of territory and other military positions in the area, such as Monte di Croce and Galiga. The name "Monterotondo" probably derives from the circular shape of its summit, shaped both by nature and man, through terracing and artificial excavations for defensive purposes. The castle was accessible via a ridge path connecting the surrounding hills, making it a true "eagle's nest," isolated and secure. The first documented evidence of the fortification dates back to the 13th century. In 1226-1227, the castle was purchased by the Bishop of Florence along with the more important Monte di Croce Castle, which had been previously destroyed by the Florentine Republic. This change of ownership marked the end of the powerful Guidi family's control over Monterotondo and its absorption into the defensive strategies of Guelph Florence. The castle layout was dominated by a square-plan tower, built with local stone blocks. This tall and imposing structure served as the last line of defense and as the lord's residence, although the small interior spaces suggest a more military than residential function. The fortification developed around the tower with a surrounding wall, now almost entirely disappeared, but still visible in some traces along the edge of the summit. Monterotondo was never a strictly inhabited settlement, but rather a military structure with residential quarters for the garrison. This is evidenced by documents of the time, including an act by Bishop Lottieri della Tosa referring to a "palatium" inside the castle, suggesting the presence of a tower-palace as an administrative center and symbol of episcopal power. Despite its secluded location, the castle was involved in the political struggles of the time. In the 14th century, Monterotondo still belonged to the Bishop of Florence, but its strategic importance gradually declined, leading to its abandonment and subsequent ruin. The last direct evidence of its existence dates back to the 18th century when the scholar Giovan Maria Brocchi described a tower still standing with an inscription from the late 13th century. Today, the ruins of Monterotondo emerge among the vegetation, silently narrating the stories of a time of castles and knights.


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Reachable via the following routes

Route 6

The Pillars of Faith

Duration3/4 days
Length73 KM
DifficultyDifficult

The great Mugello priests who have left their mark on the church and our customs in different ways. The abbot of Buonsollazzo, Montesenario, Monsignor Della Casa, Monsignor Bartolucci, Don Milani