Castel di Luco (Acquasanta Terme)

History of Castel di Luco

The origins of Castel di Luco are not documented with certainty. According to the theory of the historian Giuseppe Colucci, a sacred grove with pagan rites stood in the area, and the castle was built on the travertine height where the sacrificial altars probably stood. Another theory, by Bernardo Carfagna, links it to the military reorganization of Byzantine Italy. The Latin name Castrum Lucum combines castrum, "fortified place", with Lucum, which according to Colucci derives from lucus, the clearing in the woods where the light comes in.

The castle withstood the attack of Charles of Anjou and of the troops of Galeotto I Malatesta. From 1400 to 1800 it belonged to the Ciucci family. On August 10, 1445 Pietro di Vanne Ciucci, lord of Luco, set out from the castle at the head of a band of mountain men to free Ascoli Piceno from the rule of Rinaldo di Folignano and, once inside the city, proclaimed papal sovereignty. In 1562 the Ascoli bandit Parisani had Chiarino Montaroni, who was charged with defending the garrison, killed in the castle.

Over time the fortress became the noble residence of the Ciucci. Around 1800 the last heiress, Maria, married Giuseppe Amici: since then the property has passed to his descendants.

The 2016 earthquake badly damaged it. Work to make it safe began in November of that same year, while the post-earthquake repairs were completed in 2024.

What to see at Castel di Luco

The most recognizable feature is the shape. The curtain walls enclose the inner courtyard and follow the edge of the cliff, forming a closed, irregularly circular structure. The original design was that of an enclosure castle: a residence for the lord, the soldiers and the family, but also a refuge for the inhabitants of the fief in times of danger. The small village below later grew in concentric circles around the spur.

Among the defensive features, the battered tower stands out, with an anti-climbing string course and arquebus loopholes, built in the 16th century. Along the perimeter there are still many travertine corbels that supported wooden walkways and brattices. To the southeast is the small defensive tower.

Inside, the guided tour takes in the prisons, the room of vino cotto (a traditional "cooked wine" of the Marche), the old kitchen and the secret passage in the cellar. The frescoed halls are where breakfast is served to guests. From the rooms with period furniture there is a view over the Tronto valley.

The castle also hosts cultural events. In 2011 a concert by Franco Morone put it on the program of the Festival dell'Appennino. Since the reopening, events, exhibitions and concerts are planned.

How to visit Castel di Luco

Castel di Luco is visited on a guided tour. The castellan Francesco Amici leads visitors through towers, courtyards and hidden passages. The castle is also a historic residence with rooms: after the works, nine rooms were created and the restaurant was renovated. The restaurant is open by reservation. Availability, days and visiting arrangements should be checked with the castle before setting out; contact details are in the box on this page.

The castle is reached by an uphill climb. A two-person monorail leads up to the castle, but inside several flights of stairs are needed to reach the rooms. One room outside the walls is suitable for people with reduced mobility. The parking lot has video surveillance.

Where Castel di Luco is located

Castel di Luco is in the hamlet of Paggese, in the municipality of Acquasanta Terme (Ascoli Piceno). It stands on the Via Salaria, next to the medieval village of Paggese. It is a few kilometers from the main town of the municipality. Acquasanta Terme is less than 20 km from Ascoli Piceno, along the Salaria.

Around Castel di Luco in Acquasanta Terme

In Paggese, the church of San Lorenzo (13th century) holds a triptych attributed to Pietro Alemanno. On 10 August, for the Feast of San Lorenzo, Paggese's square hosts a historical reenactment in costume and a medieval dinner.

In the main town, sulfurous, saline and sulfate waters flow naturally hot and feed the spa complex. Along the Salaria are the Roman bridge over the Garrafo and the retaining walls of the consular road, near Ponte d'Arli.

Walkers can set out from Pito, Pozza and Umito, starting points for hikes in the Parco della Laga, to the Volpara and Prata waterfalls and to the "Macera della Morte". For other fortifications in the area, see the page on castles of the Sibillini Mountains.