On the top of Buggiano Castle, stands the Rocca di Buggiano, recently restored and brought back to its former glory after years of neglect.
The fortress was a vital element in the medieval defensive structure of the castle. This imposing fortress was erected by the family of “da Buggiano,” who played a fundamental role in the organization of the curtis in this region. From the Rocca, you had a panoramic view of the entire Valdinievole and the main roads of the time, including the Via Cassia-Clodia and its branches towards Modena and Bologna. Also, by virtue of the purchase of the castle of Verruca in 1003 by the count Ildebrando degli Alberti di Prato, the “da Buggiano” extended their control to Marliana, arriving in Pistoia.
The architecture and structure of the Rocca
The Rocca, with its quadrilateral shape, extends over the top of the village. It was once surrounded by a solid curtain with 4 towers of defense. Among these, the tower to the west probably served as a residence for the lords of the castle. The east tower is still visible but partially collapsed; with its square base and a large window with an arch on the south side it stands about ten meters high. There are no remains of the south tower, but its presence is documented in the land registry map of 1789. The fourth tower, still intact, stands within the perimeter of the Rocca. Another entrance opened internally with an arch, still visible although partially covered by the earth.
This tower designed the top of the Buggiano Skyline, also called Clock Tower because in 1510, the public clock was installed here (the current one dates back to 1914).
In the tower there is a bell and has an inscription that reads: “MENTEM SANCTAM SPONTANEAM HONOREM DEO ET PATRIAE LIBERATIONEM” (Holy, generous soul, honor of God, liberation of the Homeland). This phrase, very famous and widespread in the art of bells, is a tribute to Sant’ Agata.
Restoration
The Fortress is currently part of the property of the former Convent of Santa Scolastica, and has been completely recovered. Together with the Pretorio Palace and the Romanesque church of Madonna della Salute and Nicolao, it is an exceptional example of a medieval area.
The significance of the Towers of Buggiano
Once upon a time, the need to protect against enemy attacks required defensive walls around castles, but prevention also required observation points such as high towers. Buggiano, thanks to its strategic position in front of the valley, had many towers, so that it was said that by quantity of towers, it ranked immediately after San Miniato. Some towers were integrated into the perimeter walls (the remains are still visible on the west side), while others stood on the Rocca, the final place of defense of the castle.
