Beldiletto Castle (Valfornace)

History of the Beldiletto Castle

According to tradition, the castle was built at the end of the 14th century by Giovanni Da Varano, known as Spaccaferro. It is likely, however, that it already existed and that Giovanni enlarged and fortified it between 1371 and 1381. It was part of the defensive system of fortresses and castles protecting Camerino, the "sistema castellare del Chienti" (Chienti castle system). In the second half of the 15th century Giulio Cesare da Varano transformed it into a Renaissance villa in sandstone and installed his court there.

Beldiletto was the summer residence of the Da Varano and hosted illustrious guests. In 1382 Louis of Anjou and Amadeus VI of Savoy stopped there, and on September 5, 1510 Pope Julius II stayed there with his retinue. In May 1424 Rodolfo III da Varano died there. With the annexation of the duchy of Camerino to the Papal States in the 16th century, the complex became a farm estate and began its decline.

The earthquake of September 1997 damaged the whole structure. The restoration that followed brought new cycles of paintings to light in some rooms in 2002. In 2012 the castle was sold to the Fabrizi family of Fiastra.

What to see at the Beldiletto Castle

The plan is quadrangular, with square towers at all the corners. The only access is an entrance hall with a barrel vault. Inside is a courtyard with a loggia, octagonal pillars and pointed arches in white and red stone. The castle was originally surrounded by a wide, deep moat fed by the Chienti river.

In the largest hall there are traces of a vast 15th-century fresco cycle with knights, including Robert Guiscard, his son Roger and Tancred of Hauteville. On the upper floor the decoration repeats the motif of the pear, now read as a symbolic depiction of the tree of life. These rooms are now closed to the public.

How to visit the Beldiletto Castle

The castle is unsafe and cannot be visited. It needs major restoration work. It is privately owned. In the past it took part in the FAI Spring Days (Giornata FAI di primavera). Before setting out, it is worth checking for any reopenings or events.

Where the Beldiletto Castle is located

The castle is in Pievebovigliana, a hamlet of the municipality of Valfornace, in the province of Macerata, in the Chienti valley.

Around the Beldiletto Castle in Valfornace

In Pievebovigliana, points of interest include the church of San Giusto, the Oasi di Polverina and the Romanesque bridge of Pontelatrave. Those following the traces of the Da Varano can continue to the Colvenale Castle (Valfornace) or the Castrum Stacti (Camerino). Other fortifications in the area are gathered on the page on castles of the Sibillini Mountains.