The Rocca San Felice Castle was built on a rocky spur by the Lombards to support a defensive strategy against the Byzantines and for surveillance purposes, following the struggles for the possession of the Duchy of Benevento, which was split from the Principality of Salerno after the dispute. Collapses and damage caused by the natural disasters that befell the place have considerably altered the fortress's structure, which has undergone several changes and additions over time. The works initially emphasised its defensive purpose, such as the construction of the southern bastion, and later enhanced its residential purpose, with the construction of the Palatium and a building for residential use. Over time, the 'Rocca' lost both functions, ultimately becoming a simple blacksmith's workshop, until it was gradually abandoned and emptied.
Of the entire fortified area, the following are still visible today: the gateway that permitted access to the structure and which is now located at the entrance of the De Antonellis-Villani Palace on Piazza San Felice; the surrounding walls; and the Donjon (or cylindrical tower), which served as the fulcrum for the entire structure and with which the Castle is still identified. Built in the 12th century with a diameter of ten meters, it was constructed using a technique known as 'a sacco', in which two stone curtains forming the internal and external façades are filled in. The structure had four levels: the first level contained the cistern, still visible today; the second was used as a kitchen, as can be deduced from the presence of the well and the oven/fireplace; and finally, the third and fourth levels housed rooms with residential structures. On the top of the Donjon, there was a roof used as a lookout point, built in such a way as to collect rainwater and convey it to cistern on the first level.
Although it has lost its dual defensive and residential function over the centuries, the Rocca San Felice Castle still stands proud today over the Irpinian village and the splendid Valle d'Ansanto.
References:Rosenborg Palace was built in the period 1606-34 as Christian IV’s summerhouse just outside the ramparts of Copenhagen. Christian IV was very fond of the palace and often stayed at the castle when he resided in Copenhagen, and it was here that he died in 1648. After his death, the palace passed to his son King Frederik III, who together with his queen, Sophie Amalie, carried out several types of modernisation.
The last king who used the place as a residence was Frederik IV, and around 1720, Rosenborg was abandoned in favor of Frederiksborg Palace.Through the 1700s, considerable art treasures were collected at Rosenborg Castle, among other things items from the estates of deceased royalty and from Christiansborg after the fire there in 1794.
Soon the idea of a museum arose, and that was realised in 1833, which is The Royal Danish Collection’s official year of establishment.