The castle, restored in 2012, is one of the most important examples of fortified architecture in Friuli from the 12th-14th century. 

The central core, enclosed by polygonal walls, houses the mighty watch and defense tower, used during the 13th century also as a clandestine mint. 

Next to it stood the residence of the lords of Toppo. In the outer courtyard, protected by a second circle of walls, were located the stables and other service structures. 

On the south side: the chapel of Saint Anthony Abbot, with the valuable frescoes from the 14th century.

"Castello Rovinato di là del Tagliamento nel principio de Monti verso Ponente"

(Girolamo da Porcia, Description of the homeland of Friuli made in the 16th century, 1567)

Information taken from the beautiful site: www.castelloditoppo.com to which we refer you for further details

"Perched on a hill, at the foot of Mount Ciavoleìt, the imposing remains of the castello di Toppo dominate the village of the same name and the rich flat expanse at the foot of the mountains of the Pordenone area, between the courses of the Meduna and Cosa rivers. It was one of the main nuclei of the defensive system and feudal organization of the foothills of Western Friuli, along an ancient transit route, near an important ford on the Meduna river. That of Toppo is one of the castle complexes of Friuli that, although in a state of ruin, best preserves a structure faithful to the medieval layout, as it has not undergone major transformations in subsequent centuries. The castle was indeed used until the 15th century, while already at the beginning of the sixteenth century it appeared in ruins and was no longer inhabited.

The lords of Toppo moved their residence to a small palace - today's Palazzo Toppo-Wasserman - specifically built on the plain at its feet. Having become a stone quarry for the construction of the village houses, the castle still seems to have preserved its ancient layout. 

At the end of the 19th century, it was bequeathed by the Toppo-Wasserman family to the Municipality and the Province of Udine. A first restoration intervention was carried out in the 1990s, by the Superintendence of Architectural Heritage of Friuli Venezia Giulia, following the damage caused by the 1976 earthquake. Since 2005, the Municipality of Travesio and the Province of Pordenone, new owners of the remains, have promoted the definitive recovery and enhancement of the castle in its role as a testimony and cultural asset. Having returned to being an imposing presence in the foothill landscape, it is open to visits".

For further details on the history of the manor, click HERE