The fortress, built at the end of the 12th century, rises to defend the original walled village, on the spur formed by the confluence of the Fosso di S. Filippo in the Bidente river, in a position that dominates the valley bottom. The current structure suffers from the interventions, not always orthodox, that have taken place over time. Of the old construction, traces remain of the walls, particularly in the main gate surmounted by the clock tower and in some ruined dungeons and bastions.
As with many other fortifications in this territory, it belonged to the abbots of S. Ellero from 997 to 1275, but was later occupied by Count Guido Selvatico and mercenaries from Florence.
In 1277 it was brought back under the rule of the Church thanks to the intervention of Guido da Montefeltro. In 1404, besieged by the Florentines led by Jacopo Salviati, it suffered severe damage. It then passed under the rule of the Malatesta family, who then ceded it to the De Nobili family, who became feudal lords around the mid-1500s.
Now useless for defense purposes following the introduction of powder weapons, it lost all its importance and suffered a prolonged period of degradation.
Today, the fortress is the seat of public offices.
The Fortress can be visited upon request to the Municipality of Civitella.
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