Fossaceca Castle

Of Fossaceca Castle only a few ruins wrapped in ivy and creepers remain today, but their story is that of the very origins of Arpaise. In the 13th century Fossaceca was the fief of William of Fossaceca, who had his residence here; about two centuries later it passed to the Orsini. We like seeking out these traces as if leafing through an old family album.After the settlement was destroyed, in 1453 Francesco Orsini founded a new centre, called Terranova Fossaceca, which was the seat of the municipality until 1833, when it moved to Arpaise. We suggest combining a visit to Terranova, now a hamlet, with the sanctuary of the Holy Physicians Cosmas and Damian, and coming in autumn, when the "castagne del prete" chestnuts are gathered.