Caracciolo Castle, Brienza, Italy

The first historical evidence of the Caracciolo Castle existence dates back to 1237. However, the origin of the stronghold is undoubtedly older, and historical research suggests that an initial form of fortification may have existed when the Lombard populations founded the first settlement on the hill in the 7th century.

Subsequently, ownership of the castle passed from the Angevins to the De Porcellis family, who administered it for a brief period before transferring it to a branch of the noble Caracciolo family, originally from Naples. In 1561, at the behest of Marcantonio Caracciolo, the main tower)was transformed into a prison, while the rest of the castle continued to serve as a residence. The Caracciolo family gradually expanded the castle and made it their permanent settlement. In 1783, Litterio Caracciolo enlarged and enriched the fortress with numerous works of art.

Following the earthquake of 1857, the fortress was in a state of abandonment, and Baron Barracco and his heirs lacked the financial means to initiate restoration work.

Caracciolo castle stands to the north on the steep hill of the town and is surrounded by two rivers, the Torrente Pergola and the Fiumicello. The castle, of medieval origin, has been modified and expanded several times throughout history.

Its current appearance is the result of a restoration following the earthquake of 1980. Currently, it is owned by the Municipality of Brienza, which is carrying out restoration work and an urban regeneration process that encompasses the entire medieval village below the fortress. Historically, both the village and the castle were part of the Principality of Citra until 1811 when they became part of the territory of the current Basilicata Region.

User Reviews

rio ghi (8 months ago)
Mandatory guided tour managed by the Brienza pro loco volunteers. Very kind and highly professional guide. Very scrupulous narration of the village and its history. Very interesting. It is advisable to make an appointment as the village cannot be visited without a guide. Worth seeing

Riccardo Mario Rossini (9 months ago)
Normally closed, just contact the local tourist office in advance to ensure a very interesting and well-documented visit

gino vavalle (3 years ago)
The historic center of Brienza finds its natural fulcrum in the Caracciolo castle, characterized by the winding model. Starting from the manor, a myriad of houses and cottages emerge clinging to the steep rock. The ancient fortress, of Angevin origin, as can be seen from the cylindrical keep, which stands out from its imposing size, and from the circular semi-tower right in the center of the walls, is one of the jewels of Brienza. Of the Caracciolo castle, an open-air stone staircase is immediately evident, which leads to an embankment terrace right in front of the main entrance. According to an ancient tradition, the castle of Brienza consists of 365 rooms, one for each day of the year. The evening lighting gives the Caracciolo di Brienza castle an enchanting atmosphere that does not leave those who observe the fortress indifferent. In summer the fortress is transformed into a unique location, with a magical atmosphere.

Jackie (3 years ago)
Yesterday tour guide through the medieval village, the church and the castle of Brienza, with the proloco. (Reservation required) Beautiful visit, very well explained, so much to see. Congratulations to the proloco. Beautiful little village!

ROSA ANTONIA VIOLA (4 years ago)
Interesting afternoon of good humor and mystery... where will the noblewoman Bianca's treasure be? Legend has it that Bianca kept her treasure hidden in one of the rooms of the castle, the 366th. Her secret was jealously guarded by the faithful maid who still today tries to watch over the noblewoman's treasure.... The walk along the ruins of the old city disposes the mind and soul to a rare peace up to the deconsecrated church of San Martino where for a moment, aided by a decisive gust of wind, we were the "protagonists" of a scene from the famous film " When the wife goes on vacation" with a very nice Marilyn Monroe Lucana .. It's worth going just for the landscape and for Marilyn Lucana .. the guide, Cataldina, was very nice and helpful. Time passed quickly and we were also able to taste some delicious wild blackberries. Greetings to the ProLoco of Brienza which manages guided tours.

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