Montevetrano Castle

San Cipriano Picentino, Italy

The Castle of Montevetrano is a medieval castle  in the municipality of San Cipriano Picentino. The fortress originated from a Roman castrum of the 3rd century BC, built to control the Picentine populations who were relocated in the plain of Sele.

Between the 11th and 13th centuries, it was equipped with perimeter walls, with an entrance gate on the north side, and a cylindrical tower located inside the courtyard.

In 1867, the Carabinieri (Italian military police) used the castle to monitor the incursions of bandits. During World War II, the castle was occupied by the German army, who, thanks to its strategic position on the hill, could control the entire Sele Valley.

The castle's intact perimeter walls, four interior rooms, the three-level cylindrical tower, and two large cisterns have survived to this day.

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Founded: 11th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in Italy

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4.3/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Michele Melchiorre (18 months ago)
The castle of Montevetrano stands on top of the hill of the same name, an observation post for access to the Picentino Valley, initially a Roman castrum, dating back to Hannibal's invasion of Italy. It was then a Byzantine, Lombard and Norman castle. Lastly it was the barracks of the royal carabinieri during the 1800s in contrast to the phenomenon of banditry. It is in a dominant position with respect to the entire Sele plain. Accessing it is not easy as there are many private properties around it, the first part of the route is in fact very impervious and you have to make your way through brambles, brushwood and plants as the route is very recent and not well marked. The second part, on the other hand, is very simple. The goal, however, will be absolutely worth it!
Adry (21 months ago)
Nice seen from afar but you can't get up to above
Robert (3 years ago)
This is a castle that really deserves, also for its historicity. The structure was completed by the Lombards and Normans. The central tower is very beautiful where it is said that a girl was held prisoner out of jealousy. Beware of two fairly deep wells. Inside the cave there are very dated signatures, also made by tourists (especially Scottish and Welsh). From the photos I have published you can see some old signatures.
Emanuele Crisci (3 years ago)
Very nice place with a breathtaking view.
Davide Russo (5 years ago)
An enchanted place, wonderful to reach by bike or on foot!
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