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Rocca dei Di Vico in Vetralla: the story of a lost fortress and the defiant tower
The mighty Rocca dei Di Vico, a fortress that for centuries dominated the surrounding territory, once stood tall in Vetralla. Today, very little remains of that majestic structure. Its history, bound to the powerful Di Vico family, tells of power, transformation, and an almost total destruction that forever changed the town’s appearance. It is a place that lives more in memory than in stone.
From castle to monastery
The Rocca was built in the Middle Ages as a classic castle, with walls approximately 10 metres high, four towers and a moat. Its strategic position made it a coveted possession. Between 1345 and 1435, the Di Vico family made it the centre of their dominion. Later, having lost its military function, it became first a barracks and then, in the 17th century, a monastery for the Carmelite Nuns thanks to the intervention of Don Benedetto Baldi.
The destruction, and what remains
A bombing raid in 1944 erased almost everything of that long and varied history. The fortress was razed to the ground. Today, walking through the highest point of the historic centre, one can see only some vestiges of the walls, and the remains of a tower. The circular tower that can be seen is a modern reconstruction, built upon the ancient foundations. A simple token of remembrance.
The remains of the Rocca are freely accessible, and are located in the highest part of the old town centre. There are no opening hours or entrance tickets.
