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 The name “Castello di Matteuccia” (“Matteuccia’s Castle”) is as a memento of Matteuccia
Francisci, an enchantress and healer who lived in Ripabianca during the early 15th century. Her skills enchanted all of Umbria,, especially Todi, Orvieto, Perugia and Spoleto and
her patients weren’t only people of the lower classes, but also people of a certain social standing such as the famous leader Braccio Fortebraccio of Montone.
In 1428, the lay court of Todi brought her to trial and sentenced her for her work. Lorenzo de Surdis, the captain of the city who was at the head of the court and was helped by the notary Novello Scudiero
of Vassano, an expert in law and a judge in spell matters , drew up the conviction: “the stake”.
Today, you can still read all the records of the trial which are kept in the library of Todi.
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