Gualdo Cattaneo Italien

The ancient and mighty castle of Gualdo Cattaneo rises up on the north-western fringe of a territory which was subject to the politics of the city of Spoleto and because of this, was fought over for a long period by the cities of Foligno and the already named Spoleto.

Toponymical studies reveal that the name Gualdo is derived from the word "wald" meaning forest, and from this, one can imagine the richness of the woods which still surround this area. A mighty cylindrical tower, which was built in 1494, rises up on the main square; the facade of the parrocchial church is decorated with reliefs showing the mystic Lamb with the symbols of the four Evangelists; the inside contains a beautiful 13th century crypt. The church of St. Augustine has an interesting ogival portal on the left-hand side of the entrance, and inside, several important paintings of the 14th and 15th centuries.