I confess that some of my favourite childhood reading included Enid Blyton’s books. Not so long ago I had to rebuy her ‘Bedside book’ just out of nostalgia. However, my favourites from this prolific author were her ‘Adventure’ series. In particular I was bowled over by ‘The Castle of Adventure’ and decided that it was unfair my life should be so dull while Jack, Lucy, Dinah and Philip appeared to be having such thrilling adventures regarding a mysterious castle.

However, in 2008 I was given the chance of discovering my own ‘castle of adventure’. It’s situated on top of the hill that rises above the four villages of San Gemignano, Gombereto, Pieve di Controni and Guzzano.

The hill is best reached in winter since there is no clear path to the top and the vegetation is Mayan-jungle-like.

What remains of the castle are some massive stone walls which may be higher than they look since the earth is built up at that point.

Unfortunately part of the site is occupied by an unattractive water tank.

Controni castle was part of an extended defence system which included castles at Lucchio, Casoli, Limano and Benabbio. Its purpose was to protect the area from incursions by the aggressive Pistoiesi.

Unlike the castle at Benabbio – see my post on it at

https://longoio3.com/2017/08/14/the-wolfs-lair/ –

nothing has been done here regarding archaeological investigation, access facilitation or publicity. This is a real pity as the views from Controni castle are lovely and it could be made part of a special castle trail throughout our commune.

Incidentally, in 1990 Blyton’s ‘Castle of Adventure’ was adapted as a TV series and even starred Brian Blessed. Interestingly, the TV series was filmed at Saltwood castle, Sir Kenneth ‘Civilization’ Clark’s and his philandering son’s family home. I have not seen the television series but have found that it is on YouTube at

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hL4d3Pmpg7g&list=PL6fJmjt84zZiMl2pO6ioW8kUsPz7GR0IU

No matter; my childhood’s recollections of the book must surely be more vivid than any television version. That is usually the case…