The fortresses of Precetto and Matterella

Due to the particular layout of the place, Ferentillo is divided into two villages with two distinct castles perched opposite each other on the Sant'Angelo and Gabbio mountains

Due to the particular layout of the place, Ferentillo is divided into two villages with two distinct castles perched opposite each other on the Sant'Angelo and Gabbio mountains, both built to defend the nearby abbey of San Pietro in Valle, an extraordinary expression of Longobard art and Benedictine activity.

Built in the 8th century by the Longobards, the Precetto Fortress was completely rebuilt between the 11th and 13th centuries, thus becoming a real castle. The fortified structure is divided into two areas: the “Stronghold” at the top and the “Castle” at the bottom, surrounded by crenellated walls. The Fortress is a triangular fortification with two access gates. The tower, with a pentagonal base, controlled the surrounding territory and communicated with the other towers thanks to signals made by fire. 

The Matterella Fortress, built in the 8th century by the Longobards, was completely rebuilt between the 11th and 13th centuries, thus becoming a real castle. In the 16th century, it was enlarged with two circular bastions erected as a defence against firearms and became the seat of the Governor and prison of the Duchy. 

A few kilometres away, following the footpath from the village of Macenano, you reach Umbriano, an abandoned village around a high tower, also built at the time of the Saracen invasions.