Melfi Castle

Melfi Castle in Basilicata is one of the most important medieval castles in Southern Italy. It was built in the late 11th century by the Normans in a strategic location that serves as a gateway between Campania and Apulia.

Upon the arrival of the Hohenstaufen dynasty in 1194, Emperor Frederick II gave great importance to the Castle of Melfi, and ordered several modifications. In 1231 he promulgated the Constitutions of Melfi (Liber Augustalis) at the manor, code of laws of the Kingdom of Sicily. The structure was also a deposit for taxes collected in Basilicata and a prison for captives.

With the demise of the Staufer and the arrival of the Anjou (Angevin) rulers, Melfi castle underwent comprehensive renovations and expansions. In 1284 it became the official residence of Mary of Hungary, the wife of Charles II of Anjou. It was still subject to changes in the 16th century under the Aragon government and became the property of the noble Acciaioli family first, then of the Marzano, Caracciolo and finally, Doria dynasty, to which belonged until 1950. The castle had to undergo two violent earthquakes in 1851 and 1930 but, unlike the other Melfi monuments that were severely damaged, the castle came out almost unscathed.

Today, the building houses the National Archaeological Museum of Melfi, which opened in 1976.

Structure

The castle of Melfi, having witnessed several construction phases over time, has a multi-style architectural form, although it still looks purely medieval. It is composed of ten towers.

After crossing the bridge is visible a portal that contains an 18th-century inscription that honours the deeds of Emperor Charles V and his admiral Andrea Doria. Then entering the courtyard, it is possible to access the stables and the yards of the 'lairage' and 'the Mortorio', all Angevin works created between 1278 and 1281. Also in Angevin style are the 'Throne Room' (which houses the museum), built on the north side.

References:

• Wikipedia

Address

Via Normanni, Melfi, Italy

Details

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