Elce Castle

Elce is one of the last hamlets in the municipality of Serravalle di Chienti, located on the border between Umbria and Marche. Overlooking the Vigi Valley, it served as the last stronghold of Camerino (Guelph) and the Duchy of Spoleto, in contrast to the nearby Municipality of Foligno (Ghibelline), which had erected the fortress of “Acquafranca,” now known as Roccafranca, on the opposite side of the valley.

Incorporated into the State of Camerino in 1265, Castel d’Elce was connected to the Castello di Percanestro, serving as the southeasternmost bulwark for the defense of Camerino’s territory against Roccafranca. The outline of the ancient fortress’s walls, built of white and pink limestone, is still clearly visible, though the castle itself, whose name evokes the presence of holm oaks on the adjacent rocky walls, has been reduced to ruins. Downhill, it is surrounded by large cherry trees, while the uphill slope features clusters of Turkey oak and field maple. The surrounding landscape, typically mountainous, is characterized by a compact sequence of natural forests dominated by oak woods. Early stages of colonization by broom and common juniper precede the forest’s advancement. The high altitude and the near-total absence of light pollution make the site ideal for observing stars, planets, and deep-sky objects. However, the presence of the Tower and vegetation on the north side prevents a full 360-degree view. From the Monte Pizzuto pass, accessible by climbing in altitude, one can enjoy ideal conditions for astronomical observations. The ancient roads included routes that still descend towards Visso and the Umbrian Valnerina, as well as those from Cesi to the Plestini highlands, heading towards Spoleto via the Via della Spina. Both routes were used by transhumant shepherds and pilgrims heading to Loreto.

In the early Middle Ages, the area was dominated by the powerful Baschi family (from Orvieto). However, between 1264 and 1265, the Guelph municipality of Camerino, to counter the encroachment of Foligno, offered protection and defense to the mountain communities at the border. As a result, the inhabitants of the Rocchetta community, including the villages of Cesi, Costa, Corgneto, Acqua Pagana, San Martino, and Civitella, and those of the Percanestro community, including the villages of Colle Lepre, Col Pasquale, Voltellina, Collecurti, Santa Croce, Attiloni, Forcella, and Elce, broke away from Baschi’s rule and pledged allegiance to the municipality of Camerino.

This castle, along with those of Forcella and Rocchetta, belonged to the powerful Baschi family until, between 1264 and 1265, the Guelph municipality of Camerino, to counter the encroachment of Foligno, offered protection and defense to the mountain communities at the border. Consequently, the inhabitants of Rocchetta, including the villages of Cesi, Costa, Corgneto, Acqua Pagana, San Martino, and Civitella, and those of the Percanestro community, including the villages of Colle Lepre, Col Pasquale, Voltellina, Collecurti, Santa Croce, Attiloni, Forcella, and Elce, broke away from Baschi’s rule and pledged allegiance to the municipality of Camerino.