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🏰 Castle of San Michele in Teverina: between Renaissance, legends and views over the Valley of the Calanchi

  • Writer: Giano di Vico
    Giano di Vico
  • Sep 15
  • 2 min read

The Castle of San Michele in Teverina is not just a historic residence: it is a journey through time, a crossroads of power, art, and spirituality that still tells the story of Tuscia through its walls, its legends, and its illustrious figures.


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📜 Origins and Noble Families


1164 – Founded by Piero di Mugnano, originally known as Castel di Piero.


👑 For almost five centuries it was the residence of the Baglioni family, key players in dynastic disputes and epic battles.


⚔️ 1522 – The Farnese siege destroyed much of the medieval fortifications: the reconstruction became an opportunity for a Renaissance rebirth that still enchants today.


🌹 The female figures of Caterina de Galeotto de’ Medici and Virginia Baglioni led the castle’s rebirth.


🙏 Francesca Baglioni, who later became a nun, was educator and spiritual guide of Maria de’ Medici, future Queen of France.


📜 1690 – With papal license, the property passed to the Benedetti family of Spoleto.


🇫🇷 In the 19th century came the Montholon-Semonville family, linked to Napoleon Bonaparte: they brought a touch of French elegance to the residence.



🏛️ Architecture and Spaces


🏞️ The castle dominates a tufa cliff in the heart of the Calanchi Valley of Civita di Bagnoregio.


🎨 Renaissance halls still preserve frescoes, period furnishings, and panoramic terraces.


🛋️ The Montholon Suite holds French memories, with salons and a veranda offering exclusive views.


🐎 The historic stables have been converted into elegant modern apartments.


🏊‍♂️ An infinity pool and event spaces create a unique blend of history and hospitality.



🌟 Figures and Legends


⚔️ Piero I Baglioni and his courage during the siege of 1522.


👸 Caterina and Virginia Baglioni, symbols of resilience and rebirth.


🙏 Francesca Baglioni, the spiritual soul who tied the history of Tuscia to the French court.


🇫🇷 The Montholon family, keepers of the Napoleonic legacy, adding an international aura to the castle.



🍷 Tourism and Experience


Today, the Castle of San Michele in Teverina is:


🎉 A location for exclusive events and fairytale weddings.

🛏️ A charming residence for stays immersed in history.

🍇 A place for tastings and celebrations, telling the story of Tuscia through its flavors.

🌄 A privileged viewpoint to admire the dramatic beauty of the Calanchi Valley.



🔍 Curiosities


✒️ The signature of Virginia Baglioni is still visible, carved into the stone of the terraces.

⛪ The village preserves the Church of San Michele Arcangelo and an ancient bridge, symbols of a living identity.



✨ The Castle of San Michele in Teverina is not just a place to visit: it is a living narration, an intertwining of noble memories, Renaissance art, and breathtaking landscapes that make Tuscia a truly unique land.



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