Castle of Monteleone stands on the summit of a limestone outcrop, in the eastern part of the current town. Today, only a few wall sections are visible, delimiting roofless rooms.
Between the 12th and 13th centuries, a branch of the Genoese Doria family managed to consolidate their presence in northwestern Sardinia. A clever marriage policy allowed them to control large portions of the Giudicato of Torres, Anglona, part of Meilogu, and the Alghero area. The founding of a network of castles, fortified residences, and symbols of power fortified the territory. A powerful fortified enclosure was erected on the limestone plateau where Monteleone Roccadoria stands, protecting the village and the castle.
Archaeological excavations (1998-2004) confirmed the importance of the ancient fortress. The Ligurian Doria family's choice of location, who ordered its construction in the second half of the 13th century, was strategic. The castle area was much larger than what has been unearthed and housed: living quarters for the lord and court, buildings for military garrisons and armaments, and an archive with documents concerning their possessions in the territory.
The earliest building phase dates back to the late 13th century. A large building, interpretable as a fortified residence, was divided into two rooms, probably warehouses, with barrel vaults, communicating with each other through an arched opening. The actual lord's residence must have been housed on the upper floors, organized with wooden floors and terracotta tile flooring.
Artifacts date the strengthening of the castle's defenses to the second half of the 14th century, at which point the late 13th-century building was incorporated into a defensive system consisting of a curtain wall and several towers. The wall continued along the southern part of the plateau for over eight hundred meters, interspersed with 10-11 circular towers used as lookout points and shelters for the guardhouse.
Life in the medieval village ceased in 1436, after a two-year siege by an expedition from the Crown of Aragon against the Doria family. This led to the destruction of the castle and the village, followed by abandonment and stripping that lasted for many centuries.
Source: IDESE
