Posada · Sardinia · 12th–13th century

Castellodella Fava

"Logu de una sola istrada, bene furtificadu et difesu"

Emblem of the Giudicato (Judicate) of Gallura

History

Centuries of history
between Giudicati and Kingdoms

Emblem and military stronghold of the Giudicato of Gallura — su Casteddu e' sa Fae in Sardinian — the Castello della Fava was most likely built between the 12th and 13th centuries by the Giudicati of Gallura.

The earliest document attesting to its existence is the Compasso de Navegare, a Pisan nautical chart from 1275, which mentions the place name "Faua". Because of continuous attacks from both inland and sea, the Castle served as a refuge and place of protection not only for the population of Posada, but also for the inhabitants of the surrounding villas — Sulla, Arischion, Torpè and Siniscola.

In 1324 the castle was ceded by the Pisans to the Catalan-Aragonese. Conquered and lost several times, on 25 June 1431 the former Curatoria was granted as a fief by Alfonso the Magnanimous to Nicolò Carroç d'Arborea y Mur, Viceroy of Sardinia.

What remains of the Castle today are the ruins of its perimeter walls with wall-walks and Guelph battlements, and the keep, roughly 20 metres high, with cisterns, storerooms and stables. Entry to the castrum was through "Sa Porta", the first perimeter wall, then "Sa Corva", which led to the 12th-century Church of Sant'Antonio Abate.

Learn more