In the locality of Rai di San Polo stands the Torre di Rai, a remaining element of a complex fortification system—a castrum—which may have constituted the most prestigious part, along with the towers, the fortress, and the noble residence. Probably built during the 14th century, the tower rises on an artificial mound about 5 meters above the surrounding plain, along the ancient Ongaresca road, frequented by cattle merchants from Friuli between the 17th and 19th centuries.
The building remained almost intact until 1918, when it was mined and blown up by the Austrians during World War I, and then further damaged by a violent storm on February 15, 1925. Today, the Torre di Rai stands on a hill as a romantic ruin, slowly being reclaimed by nature. However, it also represented one of the many forges through which the Collalto family, the noble house of Lombard origin, left their mark on what is now known as the Marca Gioiosa.
© Marcadoc editorial team | 28/08/2024
