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Onde Castle (Norcia)

Onde Castle (Norcia)

Type
Ruins or archaeological site
Municipality
Norcia (PG)

Source: site database, © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).

The Onde Castle (Castello di Onde) is a site of ruins in the municipality of Norcia, in Umbria. It stood to the left of the Sordo stream, high above the Corno, along the mule track that linked Agriano to Serravalle. The old castle was recognizable by its tall tower, within sight of the other towers in the area. After the 2016 earthquake only a stump of it remains. Today the site is of interest above all for its medieval history.

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On the map

Points from the site database. Map © OpenStreetMap contributors · Protomaps.

History of the Onde Castle in Norcia

Onde was one of the first castles of Norcia. A note from 1303 calls it "antiquissima Unde" (most ancient Onde). In the 12th century it belonged to the Castelli family. The last feudal lord, Gualtiero, later sold it to Norcia.

In 1201 the town of Spoleto, seeking to check Norcia's expansion, made a pact with the consul Berardo di Onde, who agreed to become a subject of Spoleto.

What to see at the Onde Castle

What remains of the complex is the stump of the tower, reduced to this state by the 2016 earthquake. The best-known work linked to the castle is no longer on site. From the church of Onde comes a wooden statue of the Madonna and Child, carved and painted around 1320 by an artist from Spoleto. The crowned Virgin sits on a throne and holds the Child on her left knee. In her right hand she holds the globe.

How to visit the Onde Castle

The castle is a ruin, not a site equipped for visitors. After the 2016 earthquake the tower is reduced to a stump. It is therefore advisable to check access conditions before setting out and to check the weather, because the site is perched above a river. For other similar sites, see the page on archaeological sites of the Sibillini.

Where the Onde Castle is located

The castle is in the territory of Norcia, in Umbria, between the Sordo and Corno streams. Its historic link is the route between Agriano and Serravalle. Agriano and Serravalle are both hamlets of Norcia.

Around the Onde Castle in Norcia

In the same area, Serravalle and Agriano can be visited. Among the fortified hamlets of Norcia is also the Biselli Castle in Norcia.

Frequently asked questions

What remains of the Onde Castle today?

Only a stump of the tower remains of the castle. Originally the tower rose high and was within sight of the other towers in the area. The 2016 earthquake reduced it to its present state.

Who owned the Onde Castle in the Middle Ages?

In the 12th century the castle belonged to the Castelli family. The last feudal lord, Gualtiero, later sold it to Norcia. In 1201 the consul Berardo di Onde accepted subjection to Spoleto, which wanted to check Norcia's expansion.

Where can you see the statue of the Madonna from Onde?

The wooden statue of the Madonna and Child, from around 1320, was usually displayed at the Castellina Museum in Norcia. In 2019 it was kept at the diocesan museum of Spoleto. It is advisable to check its current location before going to see it.

Nearby

What to see nearby

Where to eat

Straight-line distances.