Ruins of a powerful medieval castle built (probably) in the Lombard era on a large limestone boulder that stands imposingly at 532 meters above sea level. Most likely it had the military purpose of guarding the road that connected the Cecina and Era valleys. The first certain news dates back to 1028 when it was cited as a border point between the dioceses of Volterra and Pisa. Contested continuously between Volterra, Pisa and finally also Florence, in 1405 it was handed over by the Pisans to the Florentines without the knowledge of the population, whose rebellion provoked the reprisal of the Republic which definitively demolished the fortress in 1431. The fortress, since then in a state of complete abandoned, it has recently undergone some conservative restoration interventions which allow it to be easily read and enjoyed. The panorama that can be enjoyed from the top of the cliff where the Torre del Mastio originally stood is breathtaking. The internal visit to the Heptagonal Tower, now excellently restored, is interesting. La Rocca can be reached by walking along a pleasant little road after leaving the car near the La Casina farm, home of the Ombra agricultural company.

Once you reach the fortress you can enjoy a fantastic view and the places are enchanting and peaceful. It is a medieval castle in the municipality of Lajatico. It is easily reachable with a beautiful walk through a forest.

You arrive after a 20 minute walk on a well-defined path, from the fortress you can admire a beautiful panoramic view and enjoy absolute quiet.

Beautiful view but beware of the poisonous vipers in this area. There’s also a sign warning you of them about a 100 metres down the place but we made the mistake to not take it to seriously… there were a lot of snakes actually, most of them aspis vipers we figured.

Must see at least once, 30 minute walk from the car park, road to get to the car park is dirt, I do not recommend the journey with low cars

The route to get to the car parks is not suitable for motorbikes, so we parked very far away and took a long walk until we got to car park 1 and immediately after car park 2. Once you take the path it's about a 30 minute walk to get to the fortress . The view is magnificent, but the greenery should be more cared for. Tall grass that covers the beauty of the place.

Beautiful terrain and views at the top. Recommend to park your car close to the agriturismo and walk total 9 km up and down.

Only made this climb from the stay at the casino. Almost 300 meters of climb in search of the castle (ruin), exciting and beautiful, the only downside were the wasps around me. There and back was a total of 8.5 km and that took me 1.5 hours in total with bits of running. View phenomenal.

Beautiful ATB bike tour. Big climb and bad road surface, wonderful! After the climb a satisfied feeling and a beautiful view from the ruin. If you come by car, you have to walk a long time from P1. With a 4WD car you can go to P2 and from there it is another 45 minutes uphill. Free entrance!

For those who love walking in nature. The road climbs with a difference in altitude of approximately 400 metres. You walk on a dirt road which then becomes a path. Once you arrive at the Rocca you find yourself faced with a beautiful panorama. Inside the walls there is a picnic area. We go there often. Good walk.