The majestic Forte Spagnolo, also known as Castello Cinquecentesco, is a castle in L’Aquila, Abruzzo. It is a classic example of military architecture but was never used in battle, and became instead the residence of the Spanish governor in the 17th century, later housing French soldiers in the 1800s and German troops during the Second World War occupation.

Built in the first half of the 1500s, the fortress is similar to the Castles of Barletta and Copertino in structure. Its square floor plan features imposing bastions with the typical “spearhead” shape, so solid they could resist any attack to the central structure. The bastions face the four Cardinal points and were equipped with independent tanks for water supply.