Castle of Gioiosa Guardia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Castle of Gioiosa Guardia |
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| Castello di Gioiosa Guardia | |
| Villamassargia | |
Castle in Villamassargia
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 Castle of Gioiosa Guardia
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| Coordinates | 39°15′36″N 8°40′25″E / 39.259974°N 8.673484°E |
| Type | Castle |
| Site history | |
| Built | 12-13th century |
The Castle of Gioiosa Guardia is an old castle from the Middle Ages. It is located in Villamassargia, a town in the province of South Sardinia, Italy. Its Italian name is Castello di Gioiosa Guardia.
Contents
History of the Castle
This castle was likely built by the Della Gherardesca family. They became powerful rulers in southwest Sardinia around 1258. This happened after the area known as the Giudicato of Cagliari was divided. Another idea is that the castle was built earlier, in the 12th century. This would have been during the time of William I of Cagliari, who was a ruler of the area.
Where the Castle Was Built
The castle sits on a border. This border was between the lands of Ugolino della Gherardesca and the lands of other Della Gherardesca family members. Ugolino's area was called Cixerri. The other family members, Ranieri and Boniface, controlled Sulcis, Nora, and Decimo.
A Short Occupation
For a short time, between 1290 and 1295, the castle was taken over. It was occupied by Guelfo della Gherardesca. He was the son of Count Ugolino. Guelfo was trying to take control of the lands held by his relatives, Ranieri and Boniface.
The Castle in Later Wars
The castle became important again during wars. These wars were between the Giudicato of Arborea and the Kingdom of Sardinia. Records show that Brancaleone Doria captured the castle. He was the husband of Eleanor of Arborea, a famous ruler. He held the castle for a short time.
Changes in Ownership
In the centuries that followed, the castle changed hands many times. It was owned by different noble families from Aragon. These families were given control of the land by the Aragonese rulers.
