Menu Close

Key Information

Castle of Rocca Calascio

Type Castle
Construction About 1000 CE
Builder Ruggero II d’Altavilla
Made From Limestone

Learning Point

  • Sitting atop of a mountain overlooking the surrounding land, the Castle of Rocca Calascio is one of the most picturesque in Italy. It was built as a fortified watchtower, and later expanded to protect the village that was built around it. It was later used simply as a lookout location as the development of gunpowder changed the use of castles.

Project

  • Draw a dramatic picture of the ruins of the Castle of Rocca Calascio.
  • Overview
Castle of Rocca Calascio
RoccaCalascio, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Location

Location Calasico, L’Aquila, Abruzzo, Italy

Fun Facts

  • The original castle was built by Norman adventurers from France.
  • It was expanded by Count of Celano Antonio Piccolomini when walls were built around the surrounding houses to protect them.
  • Earthquakes in 1463 and 1703 caused some damage to the structure.
  • In the 20th century work was done to repair it so as to maintain it.

Past Lessons

108 January 11, 2024 (North America)
No Past Lessons

Upcoming Lessons

No Upcoming Lessons