The Rocca Albornoziana is a 14th-century papal fortress that dominates Spoleto's skyline from the hill of Sant'Elia, directly connected to the Ponte delle Torri below. Cardinal Gil Albornoz commissioned it in 1359 to reassert papal control over central Italy, and the building is unusually well preserved — six towers, two courtyards, and frescoed halls that give a vivid sense of late medieval courtly life.
Today it houses the National Museum of the Duchy of Spoleto. The courtyard frescoes, depicting scenes from jousting tournaments and hunting parties, are among the best-preserved secular frescoes of the 14th century in Italy. The views from the ramparts over the valley below and down to the Ponte delle Torri are worth the entrance fee alone.