The Albornoz Fortress – Narni
The Narni Fortress is the only example which can still be fully enjoyed, in the territory of the Province of Terni, of the fortresses wanted by Cardinal Albornoz to restore Papal power. For this reason, the vast and majestic fortress – which had a role of primary importance in the military affairs of Italian history – is also a sign of the decadence of the autonomy of the Municipal of Narni. After the splendours of the 14th century, the “free municipality” became an integral part of the Pontifical State, furthermore, even the municipal statutes were “updated” and changed from mayor’s power to vicariate power. The fortress presents four square corner towers and the keep, which is taller and more dominant, formed from the union of two towers. It dominates the Nera Valley and even at that time Federico Barbarossa had identified the strategic importance of the site and established a military settlement. The real and proper fortress was built by Albornoz in 1367, availing himself of architects who were specialists in military constructions such as Gattapone and Ugolino I di Montemarte.
The mighty military structure was used by popes and revolutionary leaders over the course of centuries. In 1392 Boniface IX stayed there. In 1449, Nicholas V took refuge there and strengthened its defence system: this work was continued by Sisto IV and Innocence VIII. In 1789, the French removed all arms from the fortress, which were then melted down in Perugia in order to build cannons. In 1860 Colonel Luigi Masi, with 150 volunteers, stormed the castle which was defended by the papal soldiers.

The Baronial Castle of Montoro – Montoro
It is one of the most important castles in the Narni District, for its size as well as for the complexity of the historical events which has seen it as protagonist. Its name comes from its colour – which is yellowish – from the clay on the hill on which the fortress stands: a settlement set on the inside of a larger dwelling complex, which through the course of centuries has incorporated part of the fortifications. At the top of the square watchtower, surmounted by a small bell-tower. The castle is still usable, as is the surrounding park, as an elegant residence. It has very ancient origins: in 857 it was listed as one of the possessions of the Abbey of Farfa and had its own role for centuries. The castle and the residential centres which rose up next to it, managed to maintain its independence from Narni, despite its territorial proximity. This was possible through careful political relations with the Papal court, that is by supplying men and means to the Papal army. In the 16th century, relations with Rome deteriorated and in 1528 a bull from Clement VII ordered Montoro to return some possessions to the Church, among which the castle statutes, which since then have been preserved in the Vatican Archives. For Montoro, a slow and inexorable decadence.