Aiello Calabro Castle

Aiello Calabro, Italy

Aiello Calabro Castle was probably buillt in the Byzantine period in the 9th century against Arabian raids. It was besieged  four months by Norman count Robert Guiscard in 1065. He lost two of his nephews in the siege. 

The current ruins date mainly from the 15th century. In the 16th century it was one of the most powerful castles in southern Italy. Aiello Calabro castle was destroyed by earthquakes of 1638, 1783 and 1905. Today part of curtain walls and towers remain.

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Details

Founded: 9th century AD
Category: Castles and fortifications in Italy

Rating

3.8/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Sebastiano Gandolfo S. (2 years ago)
Great place to have an adventure; climbing the hill to reach the castle is an unforgettable experience, I felt like an explorer! The view from the top of the castle walls is beautiful and the satisfaction after reaching it is priceless.
Dario Bernardini (2 years ago)
Beautiful place, but dangerous. At the top you can enjoy a unique and suggestive view, but unfortunately the place is practically abandoned and without any safety device. The "staircase", when present, is uneven and impervious. Once you reach the top there are no paths, the vegetation infests the structure and there are several unmarked chasms. Obviously then there are no parapets and structures to prevent falling into the overhang. I would have given more stars for the setting which is truly magical, but it deserves 0 for how the structure is maintained. Place not to be missed, but be really careful.
Antonio Rizzuto (3 years ago)
Pieno d'erba e spine, difficoltoso da raggiungere.
Nardin Pierre (3 years ago)
Picturesque, wild ... if maintained the place could be more accessible but with rangers and pants because there are brambles all is done ?
Anselmo Filice (3 years ago)
I would hire three sheep and 2 ibex to free these "four walls" from the two meter high grass. In other places in Europe they would charge the entrance fee to visit such a cultural asset. A star for the management of the cultural heritage owned by the Municipality. 5 stars for the castle.
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