Radicofani is the great rock fortress over the Via Francigena where it leaves Tuscany for the Patrimony, a castle of the abbey of San Salvatore that the popes took in hand (Eugenius III, Adrian IV).
In 1198 Innocent III began new works on it; on 1 January 1200 it is the pope's most northerly stronghold on the pilgrims' road, held by his castellan. The bishop of Siena has held a sixth share since 1139, and the abbey keeps its claims (Otto IV will confirm the castle to the abbey in 1210).
Who he is
- Title
- Castellan for the pope
- Since
- papal works from 1198
- Confidence
- medium
castellitoscani.com: Adrian IV reinforced the castle; in 1198 Innocent III 'started great new works on the fortification'. it.wikipedia (Radicofani): Otto IV confirmed the possession to the abbey of San Salvatore in 1210.
Overlord
Pope Innocent III.
What it holds
- The rocca of Radicofani and its village on the Via Francigena
How it was acquired
Papal control from Eugenius III and Adrian IV; works resumed by Innocent III in 1198.
Allies and rivals
The abbey of San Salvatore (claims), the bishop and commune of Siena, the Manenti of Sarteano and the Aldobrandeschi as neighbours, Orvieto.
How things stand that morning
Held for the pope.
Wealth
Toll and watch on the Via Francigena.
Military
Rock fortress under works since 1198.
Threats
- The Aldobrandeschi or Orvieto
- A German king's legate
What the year holds
What happened next, if nothing in play changes it. Each event carries what it depends on and what would stop it.
- 1200Works continue; no other event known.Depends on: papal money Stopped by: war
Places of note
- Rocca di Radicofani: Papal fortress
Where the sources disagree
- it.wikipedia mentions only the abbey of San Salvatore's possession (confirmed 1210); the papal hold in 1198-1200 rests on castellitoscani.com.
Evidence: One source for the 1198 works.
On the map: The modern comune stands for the castle's district.
Primary sources for Papal State
Chronicles, registers, sagas and inscriptions written in or near 1200 that cover this entry. Each has its own page with editions, translations and where to read it.
- Annals of Montecassino; Annals of Ceccano (Fossanova) (12th and early 13th centuries; Ceccano to 1217). Two sets of annals from either side of the papal and Sicilian frontier. Read online
- Chronicle of Richard of San Germano, Richard of San Germano (first version about 1216, enlarged to 1243). The fullest southern narrative of the Hohenstaufen kingdom, written by a notary on the border of the Terra di Lavoro. Read online
- Chronicle of Alberic of Trois-Fontaines, Alberic of Trois-Fontaines (about 1227 to 1241, at the Cistercian abbey of Trois-Fontaines in Champagne). The widest net of any Latin chronicle for 1200, compiled from dozens of sources, many now lost. Read online
- Chronicle of Andres, William of Andres (about 1220 to 1234). The chronicle and cartulary of a small abbey between Guines and Ardres, near the border of Flanders and Boulogne. Read online
- Chronicle of Burchard of Ursberg, Burchard of Ursberg (about 1229 to 1230, reworked by Conrad of Lichtenau). Written a generation later by a fierce partisan of the Staufen and a critic of Innocent III. Read online
- Chronicle of Robert of Auxerre, Robert of Auxerre (Robert of Saint-Marien) (about 1190 to 1211; continued at Saint-Marien to 1227). A universal chronicle whose last twenty years are contemporary and well informed from Burgundy and the Auxerrois. Read online
- Chronicle of Roger of Howden, Roger of Howden (about 1192 to 1201). The fullest single narrative for the year. Read online
- Chronicle of Sicard, bishop of Cremona, Sicard of Cremona (about 1210 to 1213). A universal chronicle whose last part is a well-placed eyewitness account by a Lombard bishop who served emperors and popes. Read online
12 more in the sources library for Southern Italy and the Islands.
Sources and studies
Last revised 4 November 2026. Published 4 November 2026. Suggest a correction on the OMNIA Discord.