Ruins of the Tronzano Fortress (Ascoli Piceno)

History of the Ruins of the Tronzano Fortress

The complex goes by several names: Forte di Mozzano, Castello di Mozzano and Castello di Tronzano. Little is known about its history. The castle of Mozzano is recorded as a first-rank castle, meaning a castle of some importance in the defensive system of Ascoli.

Mozzano is a small hamlet of Roman origin. There are no documented records of the fortified village before the year 1000, and the events known and confirmed by sources begin in the 11th century.

What to see at the Tronzano fortress ruins

Little of the old building survives. The most legible stretch of wall has pointed-arch arrow slits facing the Salaria. In the southwestern sector there are also a section of polygonal curtain wall, with gunports and musket loopholes, and a sandstone wall. Along the path that climbs to the site there are centuries-old pine trees and a rock arch.

How to visit the Ruins of the Tronzano Fortress

From the first houses of Mozzano a grassy path climbs to the old castle village. For a loop walk between Mozzano and Tronzano, the car can be left in Mozzano, near the church of Santi Cosma e Damiano. Along the loop there are also two Roman tanks used for pressing grapes and the small church of Madonna del Rifugio.

The ruins lie on the route of the first stage, from Ascoli Piceno to Castello di Venarotta, of the Grande Anello dei Borghi Ascolani. This itinerary of about 100 km can be covered on foot or by bike. The site is outdoors and has no visitor facilities. Before setting out, it is wise to check the weather and trail conditions.

Where the Ruins of the Tronzano Fortress are

The fortress is in the hamlet of Mozzano, in the municipality of Ascoli Piceno, in the province of Ascoli Piceno (Marche). It stands on the road leading to the small village of Tronzano.

Around the Tronzano fortress ruins

In Tronzano, in a small clearing, stands the Romanesque rock church of Sant'Emidio, dedicated to the patron saint of Ascoli. Its architecture is very simple, but inside it preserves frescoes from the 15th and 16th centuries. In Mozzano is the church of Santi Cosma e Damiano, described on the page about the Church of Santi Cosma e Damiano in Ascoli Piceno. For other sights in the city, see the page on things to do in Ascoli Piceno.