Castello di Sant’Eusanio Forconese

The Castle of Sant’Eusanio Forconese lies atop the hill Monte Cerro in the Aterno Valley in the Province of L’Aquila, Abruzzo, Italy. Originally built in the 12th or 13th century among three other castles in the area, it was a strategic component for the defence of the nearby city of L’Aquila. It was razed almost to the ground by an earthquake in 1461 but was rebuilt with larger fortifications shortly afterwards. By the 17th century it had lost its defensive purpose and the Church of Our Lady of the Castle was built within the walls. Part of the main tower was used to build the church, and the original pointed-arched castle entrance was bricked up. Since the loss of its defensive purposes the castle was left to ruin, but the upkeep of the church is maintained.

The ruin and its flora are presented in infrared black and white.