Riddle me this: what do Dante, Sardinia, and a mischievous count from Pisa have in common?
It’s simple — the Andesitic Dome of Acquafredda and its castle!
The setting is the Cixerri Valley, in south-western Sardinia, where just 4 kilometers south of Siliqua rises a volcanic hill, 256 meters high. Thanks to its beauty and geological importance, it has proudly held the title of Natural Monument since 1993. Not a bad spot, you’ll agree, for building a medieval fortress — with not only a commanding strategic position, but also the precious Acquafredda spring at its feet, from which the stronghold takes its name.
But what does the Supreme Poet have to do with all this? Well, the castle’s owner at the time, the legendary Count Ugolino della Gherardesca, played a leading role in a political betrayal during the war between the Guelphs and Ghibellines. He was eventually imprisoned, along with two of his sons and two grandsons, in the “Tower of Hunger” in Pisa, where he died in 1289 — how? By starvation, of course.
Dante Alighieri immortalized this grim episode in Canto XXXIII of the Inferno in his Divine Comedy, adding to the allure of this fascinating historical site. Today, visitors can explore its three distinct levels: the village, the cistern tower, and the keep.
And beyond the remarkable natural and historical backdrop of the Acquafredda Castle and Andesitic Dome, guests can also relax in the cool little grove at the foot of the hill, complete with a picnic area — perfect for a pre- or post-adventure snack.
