Resti Castello di Vinchimberg o di Beka;Vinchimberch

Gazing upon the remnants of Castello di Vinchimberg o di Beka, one can almost hear the echoes of its tumultuous past. Castello di Vinchimberg, also known as Vinchimberch, stands as a silent sentinel overlooking the Rosandra Valley. Its story is a tapestry woven with ambition, conflict, and ultimately, destruction. This castle, perched atop a hill at the meeting point of the Rosandra and Grisa streams, held a unique position. While elevated, it was surprisingly isolated from major settlements or vital communication routes. Castello di Vinchimberg o di Beka shares a common lineage with Carsperch Castle. Almerico di Charsperch, taking inspiration from his family’s seat, oversaw the construction of Vinchimberch. The design incorporated a prominent feature, a large, semi-circular moat. Traces of this man-made barrier are still visible today, a testament to the castle’s defensive design. Another striking characteristic was its imposing tower, which watched over several service buildings. Castello di Vinchimberg o di Beka holds a special place in history. It is the only fortified structure in the Rosandra Valley with a precisely documented founding date. On May 25, 1249, Bishop Ulrico of Trieste granted Almerico, son of Ravino di Charsperch, permission to erect a castle. The chosen location was Dinga, believed to be Pod Lorenzon, near Becca. This endeavor, orchestrated by the Count of Gorizia, aimed to create a secluded base of operations. Following its construction, Castello di Vinchimberg o di Beka faded into relative obscurity. Historical records mention it infrequently, likely because its remote location kept it out of major conflicts. Meanwhile, the Vinchimberch family expanded their influence. They acquired holdings in Caresana, Prebeneg, and San Servolo. Their goal was to establish a small seigniory, a testament to their growing power. By 1342, the castle officially became part of the Gorizia counts’ domain. In 1361, these counts permitted Venice to construct a new trade route. This route, bypassing Trieste’s customs posts, strategically ran through Clanzo (now Klanec). This move, combined with Trieste’s own expansionist ambitions, set the stage for Castello di Vinchimberg o di Beka’s downfall. Trieste saw the castle as a troublesome presence. The city invoked the original 1249 agreement. It stated the castle must never be used against the Bishop or the Municipality of Trieste. At the end of May 1361, under this pretext, the castle met its fate. Trieste’s forces captured and destroyed it, marking the end of Vinchimberch’s short reign.