Posts Tagged 'Villaputzu'

Built on top of the mountain in Cudias Villaputzu, was one of the most powerful castles of Sardinia, of which only ruins remain today, that make us think its striking power. Built by the judges of Cagliari in the middle of the thirteenth was soon ripped these at the end of that century by Nino di Gallura. Passed into the hands of Pisa was granted in 1324 will then be granted to the Aragonese, as the vast majority of castles Sardinian then. In 1363 the castle Carroz pass into the hands of Berengar, Count of Quirra, but later fief the castle, in contravention of the rules of succession, Donna Violante. This earned him a long struggle against Judge of Arborea. Since the end of the fourteenth century did not speak more directly of the castle, but County Quirra, later marquis. With the Savoy castle finally break relations with Carroz.

The figure of Berengar Carroz is strongly linked to the castle. They say that love with Lady Eleanor Manriquez, had killed his wife, Beatrice d'Arborea, after accusing him of treason. But of course the figure is more emblematic of Donna Violante. Several legends are connected to her. One of them said that the greedy and murderous woman died after falling from a cliff. Had hidden in the bowels of the earth a golden frame. Another legend says that Count Mandas, in love with this courted her. She assured that the thing was impossible, as agreed by placing only constraint that he reached with four horses and chariot on top of the mountain on which the structure stood. What really difficult, given the rugged terrain. Count succeeded, the picks from the castle and she reluctantly tells the died of regret in that street which is still known as Sa de sa Contissa scale about 18 km from Perdasdefogu. Violante Carroz was also known as the Blood of Violante. It is said that invaghitasi other man who was not her husband, he dissolved the tie with this, to join with her lover. The pastor who challenged his choice was hanged and his corpse was long displayed at the castle of St. Michael, demonstrating the power of the family. Violante actually died alone and embittered in 1511 in the convent of St. Francis of Stampace where he had withdrawn.

Lyrics: Claudia Zedda
Photograph: Marta Lai